Phylogenetic position and mitochondrial genome evolution of "orphan" eukaryotic lineages.

ABSTRACT: The phylogenetic tree of eukaryotes is divided into a handful of highly diverse "'supergroups"; only a few so-called "orphan" lineages branch in uncertain positions outside of these large clades. We found that the mitochondrial genome of one such lineage, the telonemids, is considerably gene-rich, a feature observed in other "orphans" as well, raising the possibility that these organisms share a common history. On the contrary, our phylogenomic analyses show that "orphans" with gene-rich mitochondria branch into two different positions: telonemids actually belong to the established supergroup Haptista, while provorans and meteorids form a strongly supported clade with hemimastigophorans, in a previously unrecognized ancient supergroup that we dub here Promethea. Comparative genomics shows

SUBMITTER: Zlatogursky V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12432456 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature