Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China

Abstract Background Spodiopogon sagittifolius, a C4 plant closely related to cultivated crops, is an edible resource and a Class II nationally protected species in China. Endemic to Yunnan, its populations are declining due to habitat destruction, highlighting its resource and conservation importanc...

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Main Authors: Chao Xu, Wei Bi, Ren-yi Ma, Pin-rong Li, Feng Liu, Zhen-wen Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:BMC Plant Biology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06341-z
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author Chao Xu
Wei Bi
Ren-yi Ma
Pin-rong Li
Feng Liu
Zhen-wen Liu
author_facet Chao Xu
Wei Bi
Ren-yi Ma
Pin-rong Li
Feng Liu
Zhen-wen Liu
author_sort Chao Xu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Spodiopogon sagittifolius, a C4 plant closely related to cultivated crops, is an edible resource and a Class II nationally protected species in China. Endemic to Yunnan, its populations are declining due to habitat destruction, highlighting its resource and conservation importance. Despite its significance, the molecular phylogenetic relationships and genetic mechanisms of adaptive evolution in the genus Spodiopogon remain poorly understood. Results We successfully assembled and annotated the first mitochondrial genome of S. sagittifolius using HiFi sequencing and the PMAT tool. The genome is 500,699 bp in length with a GC content of 43.15%. Synteny and dN/dS analyses revealed structural and functional conservation of mitochondrial genomes in closely related species, with most protein-coding genes under purifying selection (dN/dS < 1). Notably, nad2 exhibited signs of positive selection (dN/dS = 1.49), indicating potential adaptive evolution. Extensive RNA editing events were detected across 27 protein-coding genes, predominantly involving C-to-U conversions, with synonymous mutations accounting for 49.65% of the edits. Strong codon usage bias favoring A/U-ending codons and the identification of repeat sequences suggest enhanced mitochondrial efficiency and stress adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the taxonomic placement of S. sagittifolius within the Andropogoneae tribe. Conclusions This study provides the first insights into the mitochondrial genome evolution of S. sagittifolius, highlighting key features linked to stress tolerance and adaptive evolution. These findings establish a foundation for its conservation and potential domestication, with implications for crop improvement and ecological resilience.
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spelling doaj-art-e5eba4d98ea84fb39b0c35efa7570d462025-08-20T02:10:20ZengBMCBMC Plant Biology1471-22292025-03-0125111710.1186/s12870-025-06341-zAssembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, ChinaChao Xu0Wei Bi1Ren-yi Ma2Pin-rong Li3Feng Liu4Zhen-wen Liu5Yunnan Academy of Forestry and GrasslandYunnan Academy of Forestry and GrasslandYunnan Academy of Forestry and GrasslandYunnan Academy of Forestry and GrasslandYunnan Academy of Forestry and GrasslandYunnan Academy of Forestry and GrasslandAbstract Background Spodiopogon sagittifolius, a C4 plant closely related to cultivated crops, is an edible resource and a Class II nationally protected species in China. Endemic to Yunnan, its populations are declining due to habitat destruction, highlighting its resource and conservation importance. Despite its significance, the molecular phylogenetic relationships and genetic mechanisms of adaptive evolution in the genus Spodiopogon remain poorly understood. Results We successfully assembled and annotated the first mitochondrial genome of S. sagittifolius using HiFi sequencing and the PMAT tool. The genome is 500,699 bp in length with a GC content of 43.15%. Synteny and dN/dS analyses revealed structural and functional conservation of mitochondrial genomes in closely related species, with most protein-coding genes under purifying selection (dN/dS < 1). Notably, nad2 exhibited signs of positive selection (dN/dS = 1.49), indicating potential adaptive evolution. Extensive RNA editing events were detected across 27 protein-coding genes, predominantly involving C-to-U conversions, with synonymous mutations accounting for 49.65% of the edits. Strong codon usage bias favoring A/U-ending codons and the identification of repeat sequences suggest enhanced mitochondrial efficiency and stress adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the taxonomic placement of S. sagittifolius within the Andropogoneae tribe. Conclusions This study provides the first insights into the mitochondrial genome evolution of S. sagittifolius, highlighting key features linked to stress tolerance and adaptive evolution. These findings establish a foundation for its conservation and potential domestication, with implications for crop improvement and ecological resilience.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06341-zAndropogoneaeGrassesC4MitogenomePMATRNA editing
spellingShingle Chao Xu
Wei Bi
Ren-yi Ma
Pin-rong Li
Feng Liu
Zhen-wen Liu
Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China
BMC Plant Biology
Andropogoneae
Grasses
C4
Mitogenome
PMAT
RNA editing
title Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China
title_full Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China
title_fullStr Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China
title_full_unstemmed Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China
title_short Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of Spodiopogon sagittifolius, an endemic and protective species from Yunnan, China
title_sort assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial of spodiopogon sagittifolius an endemic and protective species from yunnan china
topic Andropogoneae
Grasses
C4
Mitogenome
PMAT
RNA editing
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06341-z
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