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Comparative Plastome Genomics and Phylogenetic Analysis of Swertia Species (Gentianaceae) from Mongolia Dashzeveg Oyuntsetseg1, Gun-Aajav Bayarmaa1* 1 Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia Abstract The genus Swertia represents a taxonomically complex group within Gentianaceae, with its center of diversity in the Himalayan–Tibetan region. However, the phylogenetic placement of several Mongolian species remains unresolved due to limited molecular data. In this study, we generated and analyzed complete chloroplast genome sequences and nuclear ITS and cytoplasmic rbcL data for three Mongolian species: Swertia banzragczii, S. marginata, and S. obtusa. Comparative plastome analysis with closely related Swertia species revealed highly conserved genome organization, gene content, and structure across Swertia. Phylogenomic reconstruction using plastome datasets, complemented by ITS-based analyses, provided new insights into phylogenetic relationships within the genus Swertia. Our results clarify the taxonomic status of the poorly understood subendemic species S. banzragczii, confirming its placement within Swertia. Furthermore, specimens from northern Mongolia (Khuvsgul region) exhibited strong phylogenetic affinity with Chinese S. marginata, supporting their conspecific or closely related status. Our findings provide new insights for future research on phylogenetic relationships within the genus Swertia, which remain controversial. This work highlights the importance of integrating plastome and nuclear data in plant systematics and represents one of the few plastome-based phylogenetic studies conducted on Mongolian flora. Keywords Swertia, endemic, chloroplast genome, taxonomy.
The genus Lagopsis (Bunge ex Benth.) Bunge contains only five species worldwide and is one of the smallest genera in the Lamiaceae family. Lagopsis darwiniana Pjak is endemic to Mongolia, but the phylogenetic relationship and genetic information of this species are still poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the whole sequence of the complete chloroplast genome of L. darwiniana using high- throughput sequencing and systematical analysis within the Leonurea tribe. The genome of plast 151,844 base pairs in size has a typical tetrad structure. A total of 131 genes were annotated in the genome, in which the number of protein-coding, transfer RNA, and ribosomal RNA genes was 85, 38, and 8, respectively. There were 42 simple sequence repeats in the genome, which were mostly rich in A/T and located in intergenic spacer regions. As revealed by the analysis, the genome is highly conserved in terms of structure, gene order, and gene content, but non-coding regions were more diverse than coding regions, and the inverted repeat region was highly conserved compared to the single-copy regions. The results of phylogenetic analysis that Lagopsis was non-monophyletic within the tribe, and L. darwiniana was closely related to L. eriostachya based on both the whole chloroplast genome and partial chloroplast genes.
The gray wolf (Canis lupus), locally known as saaral chono, is a widely distributed species across Europe, North America, and Asia, including Mongolia. Over the last 45 years, Mongolia’s gray wolf population has declined threefold, highlighting the need for conservation measures. This study investigates the utility of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) gene as a DNA barcode marker for gray wolves in Mongolia. Tissue samples from ten individuals across ten provinces of Mongolia were collected and sequenced for a region of the cox-1 gene. Phylogenetic analyses show that Mongolian gray wolves cluster with other C. lupus sequences from GenBank, forming two distinct subclades within the species. The cox-1 sequences clearly differentiate gray wolves from other Mongolian Canidae species, demonstrating their value for species identification. These findings support the use of cox-1 as a reliable DNA barcode for monitoring, forensic investigations of illegal hunting, and broader conservation efforts.
The number of species in the genus Alchemilla fluctuates greatly, as many agamospermous microspecies have been described based on minor morphological differences. There are eleven species of Alchemilla in the Flora of Mongolia, and some of them are not clearly morphologically and spatially distinct. To assess the genetic relatedness between such similar species, we analysed the variation among seven species occurring mostly in central Mongolia. Maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and neighbor joining analyses were performed using nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (trnL-F, matK) genome sequence data. Furthermore, we aimed to reveal the systematic affinities of Mongolian species in the molecular phylogeny of the genus. The studied species were grouped together with species of the Lobed-clade according to molecular and morphological data. The differences between species that are not clearly distinct in terms of morphology and spatial distribution are largely unsupported by molecular data. The species level of A. changaica, A. gubanovii and A. pavlovii should be reconsidered.
Swertia obtusa Ledebour is a perennial herb distributed in China (Xinjiang), Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of S. obtusa using high-throughput sequencing. The length of this genome was 153,874 bp, consisting of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 25,855 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,843 bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,321 bp). The genome had 113 unique genes, consisting of 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 30 transfer RNA (tRNA), and 79 protein coding sequence genes. A total of 42 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were discovered, primarily in the intergenic spacer region. The analysis revealed 26,255 codons recognized by the anticodons of protein coding genes. Swertia obtusa was classified within the subgenus Swertia based on its entire chloroplast genome.
The number of species in the genus Alchemilla fluctuates greatly, as many agamospermous microspecies have been described based on minor morphological differences. There are eleven species of Alchemilla in the Flora of Mongolia, and most of them, especially endemic species, are not clearly morphologically and spatially distinct. To assess the genetic relatedness between such similar species, we analysed the variation within and among seven species occurring in the Khangai mountainous region of Mongolia. Furthermore, we aimed to reveal the systematic affinities of Mongolian species in the molecular phylogeny of the genus. Maximum parsimony analyses were performed using nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (trnL-F) sequence data. The studied species all belong to the lobed clade within the Eualchemilla clade, according to molecular and morphological data. The differences between the not clearly morphologically and spatially distinct species are mostly not supported by molecular data. The species level of the Mongolian “endemic” species, A. changaica, A. gubanovii and A. pavlovii, including A. circularis, the Siberian endemic species should be reconsidered.
Abstract Background Swertia banzragczii and S. marginata are important medicinal species in Mongolia. However, their taxonomic positions and genetic backgrounds remain unknown. In this study, we explored the complete chloroplast genomes and DNA barcoding of these species and compared them with those of closely related species within the subgenus to determine their taxonomic positions and phylogenetic relationships. Result The chloroplast genomes of S. banzragczii and S. marginata encoded 114 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Among them, 16 genes contained a single intron, and 2 genes had two introns. Closely related species had a conserved genome structure and gene content. Only differences in genome length were noticed, which were caused by the expansion and contraction of the inverted repeat (IR) region and loss of exons in some genes. The trnH-GUG–psbA and trnD-GUC–trnY-GUA intergenic regions had high genetic diversity within Swertia plastomes. Overall, S. banzragczii and S. marginata are true species and belong to the subgenus Swertia. Conclusions These results provide valuable genetic and morphological information on rare and subendemic Swertia species in Mongolia, which can be used for further advanced studies on the Swertia genus.
Бид эмийн болон уламжлалт анагаах ухаанд өргөн хэрэглэгддэг ч өнөөдрийг хүртэл дэлхийн шинжлэх ухаанд ангилалзүйн хувьд маргаантай хэвээр байгаа Saussurea төрлийн таван зүйл (Saussurea bogedaensis Yu J.Wang & J.Chen, S. involucrata (Kar. & Kir.) Sch.Bip., S. orgaadayi Khanm. & Krasnob., S. dorogostaiskii Palib., S. baicalensis (Adams) B.L.Rob.); Swertia төрлийн хоёр зүйл (Swertia banzragczii Sanchir, S. marginata Schrenk); болон Монголын унаган зүйл Adonis mongolica Simonov.-ийн хлоропластын бүтэн геномын дарааллыг тогтоож, бүтцийн болон филогенетик анализ хийж гүйцэтгэлээ. Судалгааны хүрээнд дээрх зүйлүүдийн хлоропластын бүтэн геномд агуулагдах генийн бүтэц, дараалал, генетик вариац болон генетик вариацын эволюцид үзүүлсэн нөлөө, дэд төрөл доторх филогенетик хамаарал зэргийг судалсан.
Dashzeveg Oyuntsetsega , Batlai Oyuntsetsega , Gun-Aajav Bayarmaaa & Shukherdorj Baasanmunkhb aDepartment of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia,. bDepartment of Biology & Chemistry, Changwon National University, Changwon 51140, South Korea. 54 TAXONOMIC REVISION OF GENUS SWERTIA (GENTIANACEAE) IN MONGOLIA The genus Swertia L. exhibits a broad global distribution across many geographic regions. This genus is classified within the Gentanaceae family, which is a major group of Angiosperms. It encompasses a substantial number of species, over 170 in total. Swertia species are herbaceous plants that exhibit annual, biennial, or perennial life cycles (Ho & James, 1995; Joshi, 2015). These plants are distributed over multiple continents, including Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe (Ho & James, 1995; Joshi & Joshi, 2008; Yang et al., 2022). The majority of identified Swertia species are primarily found in Asia, with China having the highest number at 75 species (Ho & Lui, 2015; Li et al., 2019). Nepal follows with 29 species (Rijal & Joshi, 2007; Shrestha, 2013), and India with 32 species (Singh, 2021). According to the most recent revised and updated checklist of vascular plants in Mongolia, there are a total of 3041 native vascular taxa belonging to 653 genera and 111 families (Baasanmunkh Shukherdorj, 2022). Based on the provided checklist, it is observed that the taxonomic group Gentanaceae Juss. encompasses a total of eight genera and 32 taxa. Notably, within this group, the genus Swertia L. is represented by four distinct species, namely Swertia banzragczii Sanchz, Swertia dichotoma L., Swertia marginata Schrenk, and Swertia obtusa Ledeb. These findings have been documented by Baasanmunkh et al. (2022). This study focused on the taxonomic revision of the genus Swertia in Mongolia, incorporating both morphological and genetic evidence. The Swertia species distribution covers areas mostly with high species richness Mongolian Altai, Khangai, Khentei, Mongolian Daura, Khuvsgul, and Khovd (Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh, 2022). Based on the DNA barcoding study utilizing nuclear and cytoplasmic markers (ITS; rbcL), it has been observed that the species under investigation can be categorized into three distinct clades. In addition, we have supplied point distribution maps, detailed descriptions, and vivid photographic pictures for each individual species. Keywords: Swertia, DNA barcoding, clade, nuclear and cytoplasmic marker
Saussurea dorogostaiskii Palib. (Asteraceae) is a critically endangered medic-inal plant in Mongolia and Russia. We studied the genetic variation of S. dorogostaiskii fromthree mountains of northern Mongolia. The genetic profile was assessed in 70 individualsfrom eight populations using five inter-simple sequence repeat markers, producing 53 lociwith 96.4% polymorphism across all bands. Shannon’s index (I) and Nei’s gene diversity (H)value at the species level of S. dorogostaiskii are 0.25 and 0.17, respectively. An AMOVAshowed high genetic variation among the populations (22% of populations and 32% ofmountains), consistent with the high genetic differentiation (GST = 0.49) and low gene flow(Nm = 0.51) in S. dorogostaiskii populations. Eight populations were clustered into twogroups, corresponding to their geographic locations. The low within-population geneticdiversity and high genetic differentiation among S. dorogostaiskii populations factor intotheir endangered designation. This genetic analysis reveals that all populations are equallythreatened, and community-based conservation is appropriate for these species. (PDF) Genetic diversity of the threatened Saussurea dorogostaiskii (Asteraceae) in the Khuvsgul region, Mongolia.
Zygophyllum potaninii Maxim. is a medicinal plant, distributed in arid regions of southern Mongolia. cDNA libraries prepared from stress-induced plants were screened for genes that are up and downregulated during drought stress. In this study, a full-length of ZpR31 was obtained and differential expression in response to drought stress was analyzed by RT-PCR. The expression of genes that are differentially regulated during drought stress in Z. potaninii was screened by suppression subtractive hybridization, and R31 cDNA of length 1000 bp was identifi ed from reverse subtractive hybridization. Drought stress was induced by incubating the four weeks old Z. potaninii for 48 hours on MS media containing 200 mM mannitol. Using gene-specifi c primers for ZpR31, its expression level at 0, 6, and 24 hours after stress induction was examined by RT-PCR. In the root, there is a high accumulation of ZpR31 mRNA in the control plant and its expression is down-regulated by drought stress.
DNA BARCODING, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF GENUS SWERTIA L. (GENTIANACEAE) IN MONGOLIA Dashzeveg OYUNTSETSEG1, Shukherdorj BAASANMUNKH2, Gun-Aajav BAYARMAA1, Batlai OYUNTSETSEG1, ZAGARJAV TSEGMED3, Hyeok Jae CHOI2,* 1Department of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, doyuna@num.edu.mn, g.bayarmaa@num.edu.mn, oyunaa@num.edu.mn 2Department of Biology & Chemistry, Changwon National University, South Korea, baasanmunkh.sh@gmail.com, hjchoi1975@changwon.ac.kr 3Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Phylogeny, Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, tsegmidzagarjaw@gmail.com The Swertia L., comprises 170 species, and is one of the largest genera in Gentianaceae family in the world. In Mongolia, currently, four species have been recorded including Swertia banzragczii Sanchir, S. dichotoma L., S. marginata Schrenk, and S. obtusa Ledeb. Among these, S. banzragczii, rare and endangered species, was discovered in western Mongolia and is also found in Xinjiang, China. Since 2016, we gathered fresh leaves, herbarium, and photographs from various vegetation during our field surveys. Here, we provided some results of DNA barcoding, distribution map, conservation status, and wild photographs for each species. According to phylogenetic results, all species were well clustered within other species of Swertia based on plant DNA barcoding markers. Keywords: plant DNA markers, taxonomic description
