Analysis of codon usage patterns in 48 Aconitum species

Area of Science:

• Botany and Plant Science
• Molecular Evolution
• Genomics

Background:

• The Aconitum genus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, comprises 350 species globally, with 170 in China.
• Aconitum species possess significant pharmacological properties, traditionally used for pain relief.
• Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis is a valuable tool for understanding evolutionary relationships and phylogeny.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate codon usage bias (CUB) in 48 Aconitum species.
• To determine the factors influencing CUB within the Aconitum genus.
• To establish a foundation for future genetic and phylogenetic studies in Aconitum.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of protein-coding sequences (PCGs) from 48 Aconitum species.
• GC content analysis and relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) heat mapping.
• Effective number of codons (ENC)-Plot and parity rule 2 (PR2)-bias plot analyses.
• Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

• Aconitum species exhibit low GC content (<50%) with a bias towards A/T bases.
• Natural selection is identified as the primary driver of codon usage variation.
• Phylogenetic analysis using PCGs aligns with complete chloroplast genome data, validating PCG analysis for genus-level phylogeny.

Conclusions:

• Codon usage bias in Aconitum is predominantly influenced by natural selection.
• The study elucidates the CUB patterns in Aconitum.
• Findings provide a basis for future genetic modification and phylogenetic research in Aconitum.