Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) with phylogenetic analysis

Abstract

The Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans belongs to Bufonidae. This species is known from the Russian Far East, central, northern and north-eastern China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Japan. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of B. gargarizans was sequenced. The mitogenome was 17,407 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region. As in other vertebrates, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes which are encoded on the light strand. The overall base composition of the B. gargarizans is 28.9% A, 28.2% T, 27.5% C and 15.3% G. Phylogenetic analysis showed B. gargarizans was closely related to B. bankorensis and B. tuberculatus. The complete mitogenome of B. gargarizans can provide an important data for the studies on phylogenetic relationship and population genetics to further explore the taxonomic status of this species.