Mitochondrial DNA variability within Uromastyx ornata philbyi (Agamidae: Squamata) from southwestern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Approximately 2.4kbp of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced from 9 individuals of Uromastyx ornata philbyi originating from Taif, Namas, Al-Baha, and Jazan in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The sequenced regions cover eight tRNA genes (tRNA Gln, tRNA Ile, tRNA Met, tRNA Trp, tRNA Ala, tRNA Asn, tRNA Cys, and tRNA Tyr) and two protein-coding genes (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and cytochrome b). U. ornata philbyi had an insertion of 170bp length between tRNA Gln and tRNA Ile genes. The first 128bp of this insertion was similar to the one identified earlier in U. ornata ornata and can be folded into a stem-and-loop structure, which was less stable in U. ornata philbyi than in U. ornata ornata, or the second tRNA Gln gene. The next 42bp of the insertion was unique in U. ornata philbyi and additionally retained a stable stem-and-loop structure. Most base substitutions found in the sequenced genes were synonymous transitions rather than transversions. Tree analyses supported the sister group relationship between the two U. ornata subspecies and divided U. ornata philbyi into two groups: Taif+Namas group in the east of Sarawat and Al-Baha+Jazan group in the west of Sarawat. These molecular data are in agreement with current classification of U. ornata. © 2012 Sayed A. M. Amer et al.