Elevated mitochondrial genome variation after 50 generations of radiation exposure in a wild rodent.

ABSTRACT: Currently, the effects of chronic, continuous low dose environmental irradiation on the mitochondrial genome of resident small mammals are unknown. Using the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) as a model system, we tested the hypothesis that approximately 50 generations of exposure to the Chernobyl environment has significantly altered genetic diversity of the mitochondrial genome. Using deep sequencing, we compared mitochondrial genomes from 131 individuals from reference sites with radioactive contamination comparable to that present in northern Ukraine before the 26 April 1986 meltdown, to populations where substantial fallout was deposited following the nuclear accident. Population genetic variables revealed significant differences among populations from contaminated and uncontaminate

SUBMITTER: Baker RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5680428 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature