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DNA barcoding efforts involving animals have focused on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1) gene. Some authors suggest that this marker might under-diagnose young species. Herein, we examine Cox1 and control region diversity in a sample of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), a species with an extremely wide geographic distribution in the major rivers of Siberia and in Lake Baikal. Some authors currently recognize three subspecies within this species. These subspecies are reasonable candidates for species units detectable through DNA barcoding. The Cox1 gene illustrated no variation within the species, while the control region displayed statistically significant differences among the subspecies using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Given the uniformity of Cox1 sequences recovered, Cox1 is probably a good region for barcoding A. baerii at the species level. Although control region variation among subspecies was significant, diagnostic differences were not found for any of the subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formalinized specimens used in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies have shown shortcomings with respect to efficacy of DNA isolation and subsequent PCR amplification. In order to pinpoint the source of some of the problems with formalinized tissues in reptiles, we compared the efficacy of isolation and amplification of mtDNA from two different snake species Micrurus fulvius and Lampropeltis triangulum—that differ in composition of tissues typically sampled (intercostal muscle tissue) by researchers performing mtDNA analyses in snakes and other reptiles. This study shows clearly that the more muscle-fiber rich L. triangulum tissues yield higher quality mtDNA that is easier to manipulate with PCR than the myocyte depauperate Micrurus tissues. We suggest that curatorial practice in making available formalin preserved specimens in reptiles should focus on tissue type, most appropriately on muscle-rich tissues. We reiterate previous caution about minimizing amplicon size and maximizing controls for contamination when working with formalin-preserved reptile tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights several studies which determine the importance and correlation of mitochondrial DNA anomalies with human diseases in general, particularly in neurodegenerative disorder. One of the studies found out that the role of mitochondrial DNA anomalies in neurodegenerative disorder is extensive. Meanwhile, another study also found out that mitochondrial DNA anomaly is correlated with aging.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the guest editors features the use of DNA barcoding in identifying different types of freshwater fishes.

The article focuses on the Barcode of Life initiative in Mexico (MexBOL). It says that Mexican researchers began to show their interest in the MexBOL initiative in 2005. It states that University of Guelph professor Paul Hebert introduced a proposal related to plant genetic marker development and taxonomy to the scientific community of Mexico in 2007. It discusses the Third International Barcode of Life conference that was held in Mexico City, Mexico from November 7-13, 2009.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one on how mitochondria has played a primary role in how scientists understand the organic world, on the description of the mitochondrial function from a genomic view, and on the different approaches of DNA sequence-based research.

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss the developments in the journal, including the publication of plastid genome announcements, increase of papers that correlate mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms with disease state, and minimal requirements for Mitogenome Announcements.

The article reports on the launch of a new rapid communications section called Mitogenome Announcements, which will replace the full-length research articles or short communications that describe single mitochondrial genome sequences. The time from submission to publication online will not exceed two months. The length of the announcements should not exceed 500 words, with only one figure or one table.

Background and aim: The use of DNA barcodes has been proposed as a promising tool for identifying species. The efficacy of this tool for invasive species requires further exploration. The species status of the small Indian mongoose, an exotic invasive in several parts of the world, has been contentious due to morphological similarity with its congeners in its natural habitat. Although the small Indian mongoose is recognized as Herpestes javanicus, this nomenclature has been used interchangeably with Herpestes auropunctatus. Materials and methods: Here, we demonstrate the utility of using DNA barcoding approaches with mtDNA cytochrome b to discriminate between the two species and other sympatric members of the genus Herpestes ( Herpestes naso, Herpestes urva, and Herpestes edwardsii). Using the diagnostic DNA positions we obtain, we can identity specimens of nonnative populations of the small Indian mongoose from the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands to their species of origin. Results: A singe diagnostic site accomplishes the identification of H. javanicus versus H. auropunctatus. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the nonnative mongoose populations from the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands are H. auropunctatus, and not H. javanicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]