Complete Mitochondrial Genomic Characteristics and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Medicinal Plant Peperomia leptostachya

TL;DR

This study analyzes the mitochondrial genome of Peperomia leptostachya, a medicinal plant, revealing unique structural features and phylogenetic relationships.

Contribution

The paper reports the complete mitochondrial genome of Peperomia leptostachya and identifies its unique structural and genetic characteristics.

Findings

The mitochondrial genome has an atypical circular structure with an independent minicircle and spans 981,249 bp.

Phylogenetic analysis places P. leptostachya in the Piperaceae family and shows it is closely related to Piper nigrum.

Genomic rearrangements and non-homologous regions were found in P. leptostachya compared to related species.

Abstract

Background: Peperomia leptostachya is a herbaceous plant with significant medicinal value. To elucidate its mitochondrial genomic characteristics, this study conducted a systematic analysis. Methods: The mitochondrial genome of P. leptostachya was assembled, annotated, and subjected to comparative analysis. Results: (1) The genome exhibits significant structural peculiarities, presenting as an atypical circular structure accompanied by an independent minicircle, forming a multi-branched reticulate configuration spanning a total length of 981,249 bp. Within the mitochondrial genome of P. leptostachya, a total of 52 genes have been identified, including 35 PCGs, 14 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs. (2) A phylogenetic tree was built for 22 species based on the DNA sequences. P. leptostachya belongs to the family Piperaceae within the order Piperales and is closely related to Piper nigrum. (3) Homologous colinear blocks were detected between P. leptostachya and its close relatives, though these blocks exhibited short lengths. Additionally, blank regions were identified that showed no homology with other species. Mitochondrial genomes of P. leptostachya and two close relatives had inconsistent collinear block arrangements. The mitochondrial genome of P. leptostachya had undergone genomic rearrangement relative to closely related species. Conclusions: This study lays the foundation for research into the genetic characteristics and biological traits of P. leptostachya.

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