Studies on the structure of the mitochondrial DNA control region and phylogenetic relationships of 3 zokor species

Using PCR product direct sequencing, mitochondrial control region sequences of 18 individuals of three zokors were confirmed and analyzed. Similar to other rodents, the control region of zokor was composed of three domains, the extended termination associated sequence (ETAS) domain, the central conserved domain (CD) and the conserved sequence block (CSB). A series of conserved sequences of zokor and their forms were identified. Using Microtus rossiaemeridionalis, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus and Nannospalax ehrenbergi as outgroup, the phylogenetic relationship of zokors was analyzed by neighborjoining (NJ)method and UPGMA method.The result showed that the control region could be used for the phylogenetic analysis. Based on the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological comparison, it was suggested that M.baileyi and M.cansus reach the species level.