Next-generation sequencing yields a nearly complete mitochondrial genome of The Yarkand toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus axillaris) from the Turpan Depression

Abstract

The Yarkand toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus axillaris, is endemic to an arid region in Northwest China from the Taklamakan Desert eastward to Dunhuang and Turpan depressions. A nearly complete mitochondrial genome of one individual from the Turpan Depression was determined using next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome is 15,883 bp in length, comprising two ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a control region (CR). The gene arrangement and composition is similar to those of other Agaminae lizards, albeit with one part of CR (651 bp) existing between the tRNA-Thr gene and tRNA-Pro gene and another part of CR (with 107 bp already sequenced) inserting between the tRNA-Phe and 12S rRNA. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses confirmed the monophyly of both genus Phrynocephalus and its viviparous species. The mitogenome sequence may provide fundamental data to investigate altitude-related evolution of mitochondrial genes in Phrynocephalus.