Introgression of mitochondrial DNA promoted by natural selection in the Japanese pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus abramus)

摘要: Introgression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) between closely related taxa can be promoted by either neutral processes or natural selection. Since gene-encoded proteins play critical roles in oxidative metabolism, mtDNA genes are commonly considered to experience strong selective constraint. However, metabolic requirements vary across climatic and ecological gradients, thus modifying potential pressures acting on genes. Here we conducted tests detect adaptive evolution occurring two (Cytb ND5) individuals Japanese pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus abramus) the mainland China Hainan Island. Nuclear markers identified clades both Island populations, whereas each these regions had a specific clade. This cyto-nuclear discordance is most likely caused introgression ruling out other alternative scenarios (incomplete lineage sorting sex-biased gene flow). Although population-based analyses revealed purifying selection Cytb neutrality ND5, multiple nonsynonymous substitutions ND5 were suggested have been positive divergence-based analysis. Our study supports view that molecular adaptation occur at under if cause radical changes physicochemical properties amino acids.