MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty fresh frozen tumor tissues along with blood samples of brain tumor patients were analyzed for mtMSI by PCR amplification of genomic DNAs, and the amplicons were directly sequenced in both directions using Sanger sequencing.
RESULTS: Microsatellite analysis revealed that 20% (8 out of 40) of the tumors were mtMSI positive with a total of 8 mtMSI changes. All mtMSI markers were detected in D310 and D16184 of the D-loop region. Additionally, no significant association was observed between mtMSI status and clinicopathological features.
CONCLUSION: The variations, specifically the mtMSI, suggest that the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be targeted for genomic alteration in brain tumors. Therefore, the specific role of mtDNA alteration in brain tumor development and prognosis requires further investigation.
RESULTS: We found three distinct matrilineal groups of red muntjacs: Sri Lankan red muntjacs (including the Western Ghats) diverged first from other muntjacs about 1.5 Mya; later northern red muntjacs (including North India and Indochina) and southern red muntjacs (Sundaland) split around 1.12 Mya. The diversification of red muntjacs into these three main lineages was likely promoted by two Pleistocene barriers: one through the Indian subcontinent and one separating the Indochinese and Sundaic red muntjacs. Interestingly, we found a high level of gene flow within the populations of northern and southern red muntjacs, indicating gene flow between populations in Indochina and dispersal of red muntjacs over the exposed Sunda Shelf during the Last Glacial Maximum.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide new insights into the evolution of species in South and Southeast Asia as we found clear genetic differentiation in a widespread and generalist species, corresponding to two known biogeographical barriers: The Isthmus of Kra and the central Indian dry zone. In addition, our molecular data support either the delineation of three monotypic species or three subspecies, but more importantly these data highlight the conservation importance of the Sri Lankan/South Indian red muntjac.