Primary Structure of 28S rRNA Gene Confirms Monophyly of FreeLiving Heterotrophic and Phototrophic Apicomplexans (Alveolata)

• Authors: MIKHAILOV Kirill V.; TIKHONENKOV Denis V.; JANOUŠKOVEC Jan; DIAKIN Andrei; OFITSEROV Mihail V.; MYLNIKOV Alexander P.; ALESHIN Vladimir V.
• Year of publication: 2015
• Type: Article in Periodical
• Magazine / Source: Biochemistry
• MU Faculty or unit: Faculty of Science
• Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S0006297915110115
• Field: Zoology
• Keywords: molecular phylogenetics; ribosomal RNA genes; apicomplexans; Sporozoa; heterotrophic flagellates; plastids; evolution of parasitism
• Description: Phylogenetic analysis of large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA or 28S rRNA) gene sequences from freeliv ing predatory flagellates Colpodella angusta, Voromonas pontica, and Alphamonas edax (Apicomplexa) confirms their close relationship with chromerids Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis, which possess a functional photosynthetic plastid. Together these organisms form a sister group to parasitic apicomplexans (coccidians and gregarines, or sporozoans sensu lato). This result agrees with the previous conclusion on monophyly of colpodellids and chromerids (chrompodellids) based on phylogenomic data. The revealed relationships demonstrate a complex pattern of acquisition, loss, or modification of plastids and transition to parasitism during alveolate evolution.

Related projects

• ECIP - Evropské centrum ichtyoparazitologie