A phylogenetic analysis of 34 chloroplast genomes elucidates the relationships between wild and domestic species within the genus Citrus.

TitleA phylogenetic analysis of 34 chloroplast genomes elucidates the relationships between wild and domestic species within the genus Citrus.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsCarbonell-Caballero, J, Alonso, R, Ibañez, V, Terol, J, Talon, M, Dopazo, J
JournalMolecular biology and evolution
Volume32
Pagination2015-2035
Date Published2015 Apr 14
ISSN1537-1719
Keywordschloroplast; citrus; Phylogeny; WGS
Abstract

Citrus genus includes some of the most important cultivated fruit trees worldwide. Despite being extensively studied because of its commercial relevance, the origin of cultivated citrus species and the history of its domestication still remain an open question. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of the chloroplast genomes of 34 citrus genotypes which constitutes the most comprehensive and detailed study to date on the evolution and variability of the genus Citrus. A statistical model was used to estimate divergence times between the major citrus groups. Additionally, a complete map of the variability across the genome of different citrus species was produced, including single nucleotide variants, heteroplasmic positions, indels and large structural variants. The distribution of all these variants provided further independent support to the phylogeny obtained. An unexpected finding was the high level of heteroplasmy found in several of the analysed genomes. The use of the complete chloroplast DNA not only paves the way for a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the Citrus genus, but also provides original insights into other elusive evolutionary processes such as chloroplast inheritance, heteroplasmy and gene selection.

URLhttp://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/04/27/molbev.msv082.full
DOI10.1093/molbev/msv082