Complete mitochondrial genomes of Gritzenko's charr Salvelinus gritzenkoi and Miyabe charr Salvelinus malma miyabei and their interpretation regarding intraspecific taxonomy.

Background: Salvelinus is one the most species-rich genera of salmonids (Salmoniformes: Salmonidae), and mitogenomic sequence data have served as a rich source of information for resolving fish phylogenies and identifying new charr species. However, current reference databases contain limited mitochondrial genome information on narrow-ranged, endemic charrs with disputable origin and systematic status. More comprehensive mitochondrial genome-based phylogenetics will help enhance understanding of the relationship and delineate charr species.

Comparative study of genome divergence in salmonids with various rates of genetic isolation.

The aim of the study is a comparative investigation of changes that certain genome parts undergo during speciation. The research was focused on divergence of coding and noncoding sequences in different groups of salmonid fishes of the Salmonidae (Salmo, Parasalmo, Oncorhynchus, and Salvelinus genera) and the Coregonidae families under different levels of reproductive isolation. Two basic approaches were used: (1) PCR-RAPD with a 20-22 nt primer design with subsequent cloning and sequencing of the products and (2) a modified endonuclease restriction analysis.