DNA barcoding, phylogeography and evolutionary dynamics of Chrysichthys auratus

• Published in: Gene 2024-07, Vol.917, p.148448-148448, Article 148448
• Main Authors: Afifi, Moharam Adel Mohamed, Azab, Ahmad Mosad, Ali, Elham, Ghazy, Ahmed, El-Tabakh, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Chrysichthys auratus; COI; DNA barcoding; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic - methods; Electron Transport Complex IV - genetics; Evolution, Molecular; Evolutionary dynamics; Fish; Gene Flow; Genetic Variation; Goldfish - classification; Goldfish - genetics; Haplotypes; Phylogeny; Phylogeography
• ISSN: 0378-1119; 1879-0038
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148448

•Chrysichthys auratus: Cylindrical body, ventrally flattened for benthic feeding. Barbels on nose, mouth sides, and chin.•Dorsal fins: First part with 2 spines, second part with 6–7 rays. Pectoral fins relatively long, with 1 spine and 7–8 rays.•Morphometrics: Total length 21.3–23.7 cm, standard length 81.94–82.70 %. Head length 31.72–35.20 % of standard length.•Molecular analysis: PCR amplification products resolved on 1% agarose gel. Evolutionary history inferred by Neighbor-Joining method.•Haplotype network: Minimum spanning network constructed to show haplotype distribution. Pi-value: 0.255278, Tajima's D: −0.448891. This study embarked on an exploration into the genetic structure and evolutionary history of the Chrysichthys auratus species, leveraging PCR amplification, phylogenetic trees, and haplotype networks. Specific DNA segments were successfully amplified and visualized through electrophoresis. Newly obtained sequences were Bank into GenBank and given accession numbers (OR730807-OR730808-OR730809). The Neighbor-Joining method provided insights into the evolutionary relationships among taxa, further augmented by bootstrap values and the Tamura 3-parameter method. A comprehensive geographical haplotype network showcased pronounced genetic differentiation, especially between remote populations. Nonetheless, shared haplotypes between proximate regions indicated either ancestral genetic connections or ongoing gene flow. Employing the COI-DNA barcodes, an in-depth understanding of intra- and inter-populational genetic diversity was achieved. The study's findings unravel the intricate genetic landscape and evolutionary dynamics of C. auratus, offering novel perspectives into its demographic history across its vast native habitat.