2024 |
Kotsakiozi, Panayiota; Antoniou, Aglaia; Psonis, Nikolaos; Sagonas, Κostas; Karameta, Emmanouela; Ilgaz, Çetin; Kumlutaş, Yusuf; Avcı, Aziz; Jablonski, Daniel; Darriba, Diego; Stamatakis, Alexandros; Lymberakis, Petros; Poulakakis, Nikos Cryptic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of Mediodactylus species in the Eastern Mediterranean region Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 197 , pp. 108091, 2024, ISSN: 10557903. @article{kotsakiozi_cryptic_2024, title = {Cryptic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of Mediodactylus species in the Eastern Mediterranean region}, author = {Panayiota Kotsakiozi and Aglaia Antoniou and Nikolaos Psonis and Κostas Sagonas and Emmanouela Karameta and Çetin Ilgaz and Yusuf Kumlutaş and Aziz Avcı and Daniel Jablonski and Diego Darriba and Alexandros Stamatakis and Petros Lymberakis and Nikos Poulakakis}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1055790324000836 /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-Kotsakiozi-MPE-38-pre-print.pdf}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108091}, issn = {10557903}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-08-01}, urldate = {2024-08-12}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {197}, pages = {108091}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
2023 |
Pogorevc, Neža; Dotsev, Arsen; Upadhyay, Maulik; Sandoval‐Castellanos, Edson; Hannemann, Elisabeth; Simčič, Mojca; Antoniou, Aglaia; Papachristou, Dimitris; Koutsouli, Panagiota; Rahmatalla, Siham; Brockmann, Gudrun; Sölkner, Johann; Burger, Pamela; Lymberakis, Petros; Poulakakis, Nikos; Bizelis, Iosif; Zinovieva, Natalia; Horvat, Simon; Medugorac, Ivica Whole‐genome SNP genotyping unveils ancestral and recent introgression in wild and domestic goats Journal Article Molecular Ecology, 33 (1), pp. e17190, 2023, ISSN: 0962-1083, 1365-294X. @article{pogorevc_wholegenome_2024, title = {Whole‐genome SNP genotyping unveils ancestral and recent introgression in wild and domestic goats}, author = {Neža Pogorevc and Arsen Dotsev and Maulik Upadhyay and Edson Sandoval‐Castellanos and Elisabeth Hannemann and Mojca Simčič and Aglaia Antoniou and Dimitris Papachristou and Panagiota Koutsouli and Siham Rahmatalla and Gudrun Brockmann and Johann Sölkner and Pamela Burger and Petros Lymberakis and Nikos Poulakakis and Iosif Bizelis and Natalia Zinovieva and Simon Horvat and Ivica Medugorac}, url = {https://imbbc.hcmr.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-Pogorevc-Molecular-Ecology-67.pdf https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.17190}, doi = {10.1111/mec.17190}, issn = {0962-1083, 1365-294X}, year = {2023}, date = {2023-12-28}, urldate = {2024-01-15}, journal = {Molecular Ecology}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {e17190}, abstract = {Abstract After the domestication of goats around 10,000 years before the present (BP), humans transported goats far beyond the range of their wild ancestor, the bezoar goat. This brought domestic goats into contact with many wild goat species such as ibex and markhor, enabling introgression between domestic and wild goats. To investigate this, while shedding light on the taxonomic status of wild and domestic goats, we analysed genome‐wide SNP data of 613 specimens from 14 taxonomic units, including Capra hircus , C. pyrenaica , C. ibex (from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia), C. aegagrus aegagrus , C. a. cretica , C. h. dorcas , C. caucasica caucasica , C. c. severtzovi , C. c. cylindricornis , C. falconeri , C. sibirica sibirica , C. s. alaiana and C. nubiana , as well as Oreamnos americanus (mountain goat) as an outgroup. To trace gene flow between domestic and wild goats, we integrated genotype data of local goat breeds from the Alps as well as from countries such as Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Russia (Caucasus and Altai) and Pakistan. Our phylogenetic analyses displayed a clear separation between bezoar‐type and ibex‐type clades with wild goats from the Greek islands of Crete and Youra clustered within domestic goats, confirming their feral origin. Our analyses also revealed gene flow between the lineages of Caucasian tur and domestic goats that most likely occurred before or during early domestication. Within the clade of domestic goats, analyses inferred gene flow between African and Iberian goats. The detected events of introgression were consistent with previous reports and offered interesting insights into the historical relationships among domestic and wild goats.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Abstract After the domestication of goats around 10,000 years before the present (BP), humans transported goats far beyond the range of their wild ancestor, the bezoar goat. This brought domestic goats into contact with many wild goat species such as ibex and markhor, enabling introgression between domestic and wild goats. To investigate this, while shedding light on the taxonomic status of wild and domestic goats, we analysed genome‐wide SNP data of 613 specimens from 14 taxonomic units, including Capra hircus , C. pyrenaica , C. ibex (from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia), C. aegagrus aegagrus , C. a. cretica , C. h. dorcas , C. caucasica caucasica , C. c. severtzovi , C. c. cylindricornis , C. falconeri , C. sibirica sibirica , C. s. alaiana and C. nubiana , as well as Oreamnos americanus (mountain goat) as an outgroup. To trace gene flow between domestic and wild goats, we integrated genotype data of local goat breeds from the Alps as well as from countries such as Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Russia (Caucasus and Altai) and Pakistan. Our phylogenetic analyses displayed a clear separation between bezoar‐type and ibex‐type clades with wild goats from the Greek islands of Crete and Youra clustered within domestic goats, confirming their feral origin. Our analyses also revealed gene flow between the lineages of Caucasian tur and domestic goats that most likely occurred before or during early domestication. Within the clade of domestic goats, analyses inferred gene flow between African and Iberian goats. The detected events of introgression were consistent with previous reports and offered interesting insights into the historical relationships among domestic and wild goats. |
Antoniou, Aglaia; Manousaki, Tereza; Ramírez, Francisco; Cariani, Alessia; Cannas, Rita; Kasapidis, Panagiotis; Magoulas, Antonios; Albo‐Puigserver, Marta; Lloret‐Lloret, Elena; Bellido, Jose Maria; Pennino, Maria Grazia; Follesa, Maria Cristina; Esteban, Antonio; Saraux, Claire; Sbrana, Mario; Spedicato, Maria Teresa; Coll, Marta; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S Sardines at a junction: Seascape genomics reveals ecological and oceanographic drivers of variation in the textlessspan style= Journal Article Molecular Ecology, pp. mec.16840, 2023, ISSN: 0962-1083, 1365-294X. @article{antoniou_sardines_2023, title = {Sardines at a junction: Seascape genomics reveals ecological and oceanographic drivers of variation in the textlessspan style=}, author = {Aglaia Antoniou and Tereza Manousaki and Francisco Ramírez and Alessia Cariani and Rita Cannas and Panagiotis Kasapidis and Antonios Magoulas and Marta Albo‐Puigserver and Elena Lloret‐Lloret and Jose Maria Bellido and Maria Grazia Pennino and Maria Cristina Follesa and Antonio Esteban and Claire Saraux and Mario Sbrana and Maria Teresa Spedicato and Marta Coll and Costas S Tsigenopoulos}, url = {https://imbbc.hcmr.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-Antoniou-Mol-Eco-9-1.pdf https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.16840}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16840}, issn = {0962-1083, 1365-294X}, year = {2023}, date = {2023-02-06}, urldate = {2023-02-06}, journal = {Molecular Ecology}, pages = {mec.16840}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
2022 |
Dimitriou, Andreas C; Antoniou, Aglaia; Alexiou, Ioannis; Poulakakis, Nikos; Parmakelis, Aristeidis; Sfenthourakis, Spyros Diversification within an oceanic Mediterranean island: Insights from a terrestrial isopod Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 175 , pp. 107585, 2022, ISSN: 10557903. @article{dimitriou_diversification_2022, title = {Diversification within an oceanic Mediterranean island: Insights from a terrestrial isopod}, author = {Andreas C Dimitriou and Aglaia Antoniou and Ioannis Alexiou and Nikos Poulakakis and Aristeidis Parmakelis and Spyros Sfenthourakis}, url = {https://imbbc.hcmr.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-Dimitriou-52.pdf https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1055790322001981}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107585}, issn = {10557903}, year = {2022}, date = {2022-01-01}, urldate = {2022-07-29}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {175}, pages = {107585}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
2021 |
Psonis, Nikolaos; Antoniou, Aglaia; Karameta, Emmanouela; Darriba, Diego; Stamatakis, Alexandros; Lymberakis, Petros; Poulakakis, Nikos The wall lizards of the Balkan peninsula: Tackling questions at the interface of phylogenomics and population genomics Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 159 , pp. 107121, 2021, ISSN: 10557903. @article{psonis_wall_2021, title = {The wall lizards of the Balkan peninsula: Tackling questions at the interface of phylogenomics and population genomics}, author = {Nikolaos Psonis and Aglaia Antoniou and Emmanouela Karameta and Diego Darriba and Alexandros Stamatakis and Petros Lymberakis and Nikos Poulakakis}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1055790321000543}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107121}, issn = {10557903}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, urldate = {2021-03-12}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {159}, pages = {107121}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Zafeiropoulos, Haris; Gioti, Anastasia; Ninidakis, Stelios; Potirakis, Antonis; Paragkamian, Savvas; Angelova, Nelina; Antoniou, Aglaia; Danis, Theodoros; Kaitetzidou, Eliza; Kasapidis, Panagiotis; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Papadogiannis, Vasileios; Pavloudi, Christina; Ha, Quoc Viet; Lagnel, Jacques; Pattakos, Nikos; Perantinos, Giorgos; Sidirokastritis, Dimitris; Vavilis, Panagiotis; Kotoulas, Georgios; Manousaki, Tereza; Sarropoulou, Elena; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S; Arvanitidis, Christos; Magoulas, Antonios; Pafilis, Evangelos 0s and 1s in marine molecular research: a regional HPC perspective Journal Article GigaScience, 10 (8), pp. giab053, 2021, ISSN: 2047-217X. @article{zafeiropoulos_0s_2021, title = {0s and 1s in marine molecular research: a regional HPC perspective}, author = {Haris Zafeiropoulos and Anastasia Gioti and Stelios Ninidakis and Antonis Potirakis and Savvas Paragkamian and Nelina Angelova and Aglaia Antoniou and Theodoros Danis and Eliza Kaitetzidou and Panagiotis Kasapidis and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and Vasileios Papadogiannis and Christina Pavloudi and Quoc Viet Ha and Jacques Lagnel and Nikos Pattakos and Giorgos Perantinos and Dimitris Sidirokastritis and Panagiotis Vavilis and Georgios Kotoulas and Tereza Manousaki and Elena Sarropoulou and Costas S Tsigenopoulos and Christos Arvanitidis and Antonios Magoulas and Evangelos Pafilis}, url = {https://imbbc.hcmr.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-Zafeiropoulos-GiGa-63.pdf https://academic.oup.com/gigascience/article/doi/10.1093/gigascience/giab053/6353916}, doi = {10.1093/gigascience/giab053}, issn = {2047-217X}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, urldate = {2021-08-23}, journal = {GigaScience}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {giab053}, abstract = {Abstract High-performance computing (HPC) systems have become indispensable for modern marine research, providing support to an increasing number and diversity of users. Pairing with the impetus offered by high-throughput methods to key areas such as non-model organism studies, their operation continuously evolves to meet the corresponding computational challenges. Here, we present a Tier 2 (regional) HPC facility, operating for over a decade at the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in Greece. Strategic choices made in design and upgrades aimed to strike a balance between depth (the need for a few high-memory nodes) and breadth (a number of slimmer nodes), as dictated by the idiosyncrasy of the supported research. Qualitative computational requirement analysis of the latter revealed the diversity of marine fields, methods, and approaches adopted to translate data into knowledge. In addition, hardware and software architectures, usage statistics, policy, and user management aspects of the facility are presented. Drawing upon the last decade’s experience from the different levels of operation of the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture HPC facility, a number of lessons are presented; these have contributed to the facility’s future directions in light of emerging distribution technologies (e.g., containers) and Research Infrastructure evolution. In combination with detailed knowledge of the facility usage and its upcoming upgrade, future collaborations in marine research and beyond are envisioned.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Abstract High-performance computing (HPC) systems have become indispensable for modern marine research, providing support to an increasing number and diversity of users. Pairing with the impetus offered by high-throughput methods to key areas such as non-model organism studies, their operation continuously evolves to meet the corresponding computational challenges. Here, we present a Tier 2 (regional) HPC facility, operating for over a decade at the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in Greece. Strategic choices made in design and upgrades aimed to strike a balance between depth (the need for a few high-memory nodes) and breadth (a number of slimmer nodes), as dictated by the idiosyncrasy of the supported research. Qualitative computational requirement analysis of the latter revealed the diversity of marine fields, methods, and approaches adopted to translate data into knowledge. In addition, hardware and software architectures, usage statistics, policy, and user management aspects of the facility are presented. Drawing upon the last decade’s experience from the different levels of operation of the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture HPC facility, a number of lessons are presented; these have contributed to the facility’s future directions in light of emerging distribution technologies (e.g., containers) and Research Infrastructure evolution. In combination with detailed knowledge of the facility usage and its upcoming upgrade, future collaborations in marine research and beyond are envisioned. |
2019 |
Sagonas, K; Runemark, A; Antoniou, A; Lymberakis, P; Pafilis, P; Valakos, E D; Poulakakis, N; Hansson, B Selection, drift, and introgression shape MHC polymorphism in lizards Journal Article Heredity, 122 (4), pp. 468–484, 2019, ISSN: 0018-067X, 1365-2540. @article{sagonas_selection_2019, title = {Selection, drift, and introgression shape MHC polymorphism in lizards}, author = {K Sagonas and A Runemark and A Antoniou and P Lymberakis and P Pafilis and E D Valakos and N Poulakakis and B Hansson}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-018-0146-2}, doi = {10.1038/s41437-018-0146-2}, issn = {0018-067X, 1365-2540}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-04-01}, urldate = {2020-08-09}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {122}, number = {4}, pages = {468--484}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Spilani, Loukia; Bougiouri, Katia; Antoniou, Aglaia; Psonis, Nikolaos; Poursanidis, Dimitris; Lymberakis, Petros; Poulakakis, Nikos Multigene phylogeny, phylogeography and population structure of Podarcis cretensis species group in south Balkans Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 138 , pp. 193 – 204, 2019, ISSN: 1055-7903. @article{spilani_multigene_2019, title = {Multigene phylogeny, phylogeography and population structure of Podarcis cretensis species group in south Balkans}, author = {Loukia Spilani and Katia Bougiouri and Aglaia Antoniou and Nikolaos Psonis and Dimitris Poursanidis and Petros Lymberakis and Nikos Poulakakis}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790318302628}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2019.05.026}, issn = {1055-7903}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {138}, pages = {193 -- 204}, abstract = {The evolutionary history of taxa with limited overseas dispersal abilities is considered to be majorly influenced by vicariant events constituting them as model organisms for the interpretation of evolutionary processes. An excellent candidate are the wall lizards of the genus Podarcis exhibiting an impressive level of genetic and morphological diversification and harboring several cases of recently discovered cryptic diversity. In this study, we investigated the effect of palaeogeographic events on the wall lizards’ biodiversity patterns in the Aegean (Greece) as well as the evolutionary processes that acted both in space and time. To accomplish that we studied a group of three endemic Podarcis species (i.e., P. cretensis, P. levendis, and P. peloponnesiacus) both at the intra and interspecific levels employing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data as well as microsatellites. Furthermore, presence information coupled with bioclimatic data (i.e., species distribution modeling, and niche similarity analyses) shed light on the necessary ecological factors for the species’ occurrence. These approaches revealed yet another case of cryptic diversity for this group of lizards, with the existence of two slightly overlapping lineages within P. peloponnesiacus and highly structured populations within P. cretensis. Species diversification occurred during the Pliocene with P. peloponnesiacus divergence into the two lineages dating back to 1.86 Mya. Furthermore, temperature and precipitation related environmental parameters were the most important ones regarding the current distribution of the studied species. Based on the results, we propose a more detailed phylogeographic scenario where both the paleogeography of the area and several environmental parameters have shaped the genetic diversity and the current distribution pattern of this species group.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The evolutionary history of taxa with limited overseas dispersal abilities is considered to be majorly influenced by vicariant events constituting them as model organisms for the interpretation of evolutionary processes. An excellent candidate are the wall lizards of the genus Podarcis exhibiting an impressive level of genetic and morphological diversification and harboring several cases of recently discovered cryptic diversity. In this study, we investigated the effect of palaeogeographic events on the wall lizards’ biodiversity patterns in the Aegean (Greece) as well as the evolutionary processes that acted both in space and time. To accomplish that we studied a group of three endemic Podarcis species (i.e., P. cretensis, P. levendis, and P. peloponnesiacus) both at the intra and interspecific levels employing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data as well as microsatellites. Furthermore, presence information coupled with bioclimatic data (i.e., species distribution modeling, and niche similarity analyses) shed light on the necessary ecological factors for the species’ occurrence. These approaches revealed yet another case of cryptic diversity for this group of lizards, with the existence of two slightly overlapping lineages within P. peloponnesiacus and highly structured populations within P. cretensis. Species diversification occurred during the Pliocene with P. peloponnesiacus divergence into the two lineages dating back to 1.86 Mya. Furthermore, temperature and precipitation related environmental parameters were the most important ones regarding the current distribution of the studied species. Based on the results, we propose a more detailed phylogeographic scenario where both the paleogeography of the area and several environmental parameters have shaped the genetic diversity and the current distribution pattern of this species group. |
2018 |
Antoniou, A; Frantzis, A; Alexiadou, P; Paschou, N; Poulakakis, N Evidence of introgressive hybridization between Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis in the Greek Seas Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 129 , pp. 325–337, 2018. @article{antoniou_evidence_2018, title = {Evidence of introgressive hybridization between Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis in the Greek Seas}, author = {A Antoniou and A Frantzis and P Alexiadou and N Paschou and N Poulakakis}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.007}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {129}, pages = {325--337}, abstract = {© 2018 Elsevier Inc. Natural interspecific hybridization might be more important for the evolutionary history and speciation of animals than previously thought, considering several demographic and life history traits as well as habitat disturbance as factors that promote it. In this aspect, cetaceans comprise an interesting case in which the occurrence of sympatric species in mixed associations provides excellent opportunities for interspecific sexual interaction and the potential for hybridization. Here, we present evidence of natural hybridization for two cetacean species commonly occurring in the Greek Seas (Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis), which naturally overlap in the Gulf of Corinth by analyzing highly resolving microsatellite DNA markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences in skin samples from 45 individuals of S. coeruleoalba, 12 D. delphis and three intermediate morphs. Employing several phylogenetic and population genetic approaches, we found 15 individuals that are potential hybrids including the three intermediate morphs, verifying the occurrence of natural hybridization between species of different genera. Their hybrids are fertile and able to reproduce not only with the other hybrids but also with each of the two-parental species. However, current evidence does not allow firm conclusions whether hybridization might constitute a step towards the generation of a new species and/or the swan song of an already existing species (i.e., D. delphis). Given that the focal species form mixed pods in several areas of Mediterranean, this study is an excellent opportunity to understand the mechanisms leading to hybridization in the context of gene flow and urges for the evaluation of the genetic status of common dolphins in the Mediterranean.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } © 2018 Elsevier Inc. Natural interspecific hybridization might be more important for the evolutionary history and speciation of animals than previously thought, considering several demographic and life history traits as well as habitat disturbance as factors that promote it. In this aspect, cetaceans comprise an interesting case in which the occurrence of sympatric species in mixed associations provides excellent opportunities for interspecific sexual interaction and the potential for hybridization. Here, we present evidence of natural hybridization for two cetacean species commonly occurring in the Greek Seas (Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis), which naturally overlap in the Gulf of Corinth by analyzing highly resolving microsatellite DNA markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences in skin samples from 45 individuals of S. coeruleoalba, 12 D. delphis and three intermediate morphs. Employing several phylogenetic and population genetic approaches, we found 15 individuals that are potential hybrids including the three intermediate morphs, verifying the occurrence of natural hybridization between species of different genera. Their hybrids are fertile and able to reproduce not only with the other hybrids but also with each of the two-parental species. However, current evidence does not allow firm conclusions whether hybridization might constitute a step towards the generation of a new species and/or the swan song of an already existing species (i.e., D. delphis). Given that the focal species form mixed pods in several areas of Mediterranean, this study is an excellent opportunity to understand the mechanisms leading to hybridization in the context of gene flow and urges for the evaluation of the genetic status of common dolphins in the Mediterranean. |
Psonis, N; Antoniou, A; Karameta, E; Leaché, A D; Kotsakiozi, P; Darriba, D; Kozlov, A; Stamatakis, A; Poursanidis, D; Kukushkin, O; Jablonski, D; Crnobrnja-Isailović, J; Gherghel, I; Lymberakis, P; Poulakakis, N Resolving complex phylogeographic patterns in the Balkan Peninsula using closely related wall-lizard species as a model system Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 125 , pp. 100–115, 2018. @article{psonis_resolving_2018, title = {Resolving complex phylogeographic patterns in the Balkan Peninsula using closely related wall-lizard species as a model system}, author = {N Psonis and A Antoniou and E Karameta and A D Leaché and P Kotsakiozi and D Darriba and A Kozlov and A Stamatakis and D Poursanidis and O Kukushkin and D Jablonski and J Crnobrnja-Isailović and I Gherghel and P Lymberakis and N Poulakakis}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.03.021}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {125}, pages = {100--115}, abstract = {© 2018 Elsevier Inc. The Balkan Peninsula constitutes a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of species richness and endemism. The complex geological history of the Balkans in conjunction with the climate evolution are hypothesized as the main drivers generating this biodiversity. We investigated the phylogeography, historical demography, and population structure of closely related wall-lizard species from the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe to better understand diversification processes of species with limited dispersal ability, from Late Miocene to the Holocene. We used several analytical methods integrating genome-wide SNPs (ddRADseq), microsatellites, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data, as well as species distribution modelling. Phylogenomic analysis resulted in a completely resolved species level phylogeny, population level analyses confirmed the existence of at least two cryptic evolutionary lineages and extensive within species genetic structuring. Divergence time estimations indicated that the Messinian Salinity Crisis played a key role in shaping patterns of species divergence, whereas intraspecific genetic structuring was mainly driven by Pliocene tectonic events and Quaternary climatic oscillations. The present work highlights the effectiveness of utilizing multiple methods and data types coupled with extensive geographic sampling to uncover the evolutionary processes that shaped the species over space and time.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } © 2018 Elsevier Inc. The Balkan Peninsula constitutes a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of species richness and endemism. The complex geological history of the Balkans in conjunction with the climate evolution are hypothesized as the main drivers generating this biodiversity. We investigated the phylogeography, historical demography, and population structure of closely related wall-lizard species from the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe to better understand diversification processes of species with limited dispersal ability, from Late Miocene to the Holocene. We used several analytical methods integrating genome-wide SNPs (ddRADseq), microsatellites, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data, as well as species distribution modelling. Phylogenomic analysis resulted in a completely resolved species level phylogeny, population level analyses confirmed the existence of at least two cryptic evolutionary lineages and extensive within species genetic structuring. Divergence time estimations indicated that the Messinian Salinity Crisis played a key role in shaping patterns of species divergence, whereas intraspecific genetic structuring was mainly driven by Pliocene tectonic events and Quaternary climatic oscillations. The present work highlights the effectiveness of utilizing multiple methods and data types coupled with extensive geographic sampling to uncover the evolutionary processes that shaped the species over space and time. |
2017 |
Antoniou, A; Kasapidis, P; Kotoulas, G; Mylonas, C C; Magoulas, A Genetic diversity of Atlantic Bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea: Insights from genome-wide SNPs and microsatellites Journal Article Journal of Biological Research-Thessaloniki, 24 (1), pp. 3, 2017. @article{antoniou_genetic_2017, title = {Genetic diversity of Atlantic Bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea: Insights from genome-wide SNPs and microsatellites}, author = {A Antoniou and P Kasapidis and G Kotoulas and C C Mylonas and A Magoulas}, doi = {10.1186/s40709-017-0062-2}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Biological Research-Thessaloniki}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {3}, abstract = {© The Author(s) 2017. Background: Elucidating the patterns of the Atlantic Bluefin tuna [ABFT, Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758)] population structure constitutes a challenging task of great importance. Most of the unique challenges stem from its biology, as well as the attributes of the marine realm in which it disperses. Accurate information is urgently needed for stock assessment, and the identification of critical features to the persistence and adaptation of populations in order to formulate and adopt effective strategies for ABFT conservation and management. Conclusions of a great number of ABFT genetic studies on the Mediterranean Sea stock structure are rather controversial and not yet conclusive. In this study, ABFT genomic diversity was investigated in the Mediterranean Sea, which is the most important area for the species' reproduction. Results: Analyzing genome-wide SNPs and microsatellites from ABFT samples collected throughout the Mediterranean Sea did not provide strong evidence of genetic structure, pointing towards the existence of a single panmictic unit. An alternative view would recognize a failure to reject the null hypothesis of a panmictic unit as an effect of the study's sampling design, the type of markers used, and the effectiveness/suitability of analysis methods in respect to the species biological characteristics or any combination of the above. Conclusions: Unravelling the drivers of ABFT population diversity would require the consideration of important aspects of the species spawning behavior for the determination of the appropriate sampling design. Novel approaches and methods of analysis that will bring together experts in genetics/-omics, ecology and oceanography are deemed necessary. Analyzing ABFT genetic data under the discipline of seascape genetics could provide the analysis framework under which major abiotic and biotic forces controlling ABFT recruitment could be identified, elucidating the complicated population dynamics of the species, while multiple and continuous fisheries monitoring should in all cases be considered as a prerequisite in order to achieve efficient and long-term ABFT conservation.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } © The Author(s) 2017. Background: Elucidating the patterns of the Atlantic Bluefin tuna [ABFT, Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758)] population structure constitutes a challenging task of great importance. Most of the unique challenges stem from its biology, as well as the attributes of the marine realm in which it disperses. Accurate information is urgently needed for stock assessment, and the identification of critical features to the persistence and adaptation of populations in order to formulate and adopt effective strategies for ABFT conservation and management. Conclusions of a great number of ABFT genetic studies on the Mediterranean Sea stock structure are rather controversial and not yet conclusive. In this study, ABFT genomic diversity was investigated in the Mediterranean Sea, which is the most important area for the species' reproduction. Results: Analyzing genome-wide SNPs and microsatellites from ABFT samples collected throughout the Mediterranean Sea did not provide strong evidence of genetic structure, pointing towards the existence of a single panmictic unit. An alternative view would recognize a failure to reject the null hypothesis of a panmictic unit as an effect of the study's sampling design, the type of markers used, and the effectiveness/suitability of analysis methods in respect to the species biological characteristics or any combination of the above. Conclusions: Unravelling the drivers of ABFT population diversity would require the consideration of important aspects of the species spawning behavior for the determination of the appropriate sampling design. Novel approaches and methods of analysis that will bring together experts in genetics/-omics, ecology and oceanography are deemed necessary. Analyzing ABFT genetic data under the discipline of seascape genetics could provide the analysis framework under which major abiotic and biotic forces controlling ABFT recruitment could be identified, elucidating the complicated population dynamics of the species, while multiple and continuous fisheries monitoring should in all cases be considered as a prerequisite in order to achieve efficient and long-term ABFT conservation. |
Dimopoulou, A; Antoniou, A; Mylonas, M; Vardinoyiannis, K; Poulakakis, N Inferring phylogenetic patterns of land snails of the genus Albinaria on the island of Dia (Crete, Greece) Journal Article Systematics and Biodiversity, 15 (5), 2017, ISSN: 14780933. @article{dimopoulou_inferring_2017, title = {Inferring phylogenetic patterns of land snails of the genus Albinaria on the island of Dia (Crete, Greece)}, author = {A Dimopoulou and A Antoniou and M Mylonas and K Vardinoyiannis and N Poulakakis}, doi = {10.1080/14772000.2016.1271368}, issn = {14780933}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Systematics and Biodiversity}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, abstract = {Albinaria (Gastropoda, Clausiliidae) is a pulmonate genus distributed around the north-eastern coasts of the Mediterranean. It is the most 'speciose' genus within the family of Clausiliidae, exhibiting a high degree of morphological and genetic differentiation, and serving as a model for several ecological, systematics and evolutionary studies. Nevertheless, many aspects remain uncertain mainly due to the large number of taxa whose classification has not yet been evaluated with solid synapomorphic characters. Thirty-one morphological species are currently recognized on the island of Crete and its satellite islets. Four of them (A. retusa, A. torticollis, A. jaeckeli, and A. teres) are distributed on the island of Dia (north of Crete); the first three are island endemics. Here, we combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA information and Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood approaches to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, and assess the genetic distinctiveness and cohesiveness of all described species of Dia Island. The produced phylogeny was not congruent with the morphological species, demonstrating a more complex pattern of speciation and diversification. Although each island endemic constitutes a monophyletic lineage, the number of island endemic species could be greater than the three currently recognized species so far (A. retusa, A. torticollis, and A. jaeckeli), since a newly discovered lineage (north-western part of the island), that morphologically differs from the populations of A. torticollis in the eastern part, and genetically is more closely related to A. jaeckeli, could be elevated to the species level. Considering the fourth species found on the island of Dia, A. teres is genetically highly variable, showing low geographic structuring due to either long-distance gene flow or retained ancestral polymorphisms, or a combination of both. Further work (analysis of more specimens and DNA data) both from Dia and Crete is indispensable in order to shed light on aspects of the evolutionary history of the genus in Dia.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Albinaria (Gastropoda, Clausiliidae) is a pulmonate genus distributed around the north-eastern coasts of the Mediterranean. It is the most 'speciose' genus within the family of Clausiliidae, exhibiting a high degree of morphological and genetic differentiation, and serving as a model for several ecological, systematics and evolutionary studies. Nevertheless, many aspects remain uncertain mainly due to the large number of taxa whose classification has not yet been evaluated with solid synapomorphic characters. Thirty-one morphological species are currently recognized on the island of Crete and its satellite islets. Four of them (A. retusa, A. torticollis, A. jaeckeli, and A. teres) are distributed on the island of Dia (north of Crete); the first three are island endemics. Here, we combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA information and Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood approaches to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, and assess the genetic distinctiveness and cohesiveness of all described species of Dia Island. The produced phylogeny was not congruent with the morphological species, demonstrating a more complex pattern of speciation and diversification. Although each island endemic constitutes a monophyletic lineage, the number of island endemic species could be greater than the three currently recognized species so far (A. retusa, A. torticollis, and A. jaeckeli), since a newly discovered lineage (north-western part of the island), that morphologically differs from the populations of A. torticollis in the eastern part, and genetically is more closely related to A. jaeckeli, could be elevated to the species level. Considering the fourth species found on the island of Dia, A. teres is genetically highly variable, showing low geographic structuring due to either long-distance gene flow or retained ancestral polymorphisms, or a combination of both. Further work (analysis of more specimens and DNA data) both from Dia and Crete is indispensable in order to shed light on aspects of the evolutionary history of the genus in Dia. |
Psonis, N; Antoniou, A; Kukushkin, O; Jablonski, D; Petrov, B; Crnobrnja-Isailović, J; Sotiropoulos, K; Gherghel, I; Lymberakis, P; Poulakakis, N Hidden diversity in the Podarcis tauricus (Sauria, Lacertidae) species subgroup in the light of multilocus phylogeny and species delimitation Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 106 , 2017, ISSN: 10959513. @article{psonis_hidden_2017, title = {Hidden diversity in the Podarcis tauricus (Sauria, Lacertidae) species subgroup in the light of multilocus phylogeny and species delimitation}, author = {N Psonis and A Antoniou and O Kukushkin and D Jablonski and B Petrov and J Crnobrnja-Isailović and K Sotiropoulos and I Gherghel and P Lymberakis and N Poulakakis}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2016.09.007}, issn = {10959513}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {106}, abstract = {© 2016 Elsevier Inc. The monophyletic species subgroup of Podarcis tauricus is distributed in the western and southern parts of the Balkans, and includes four species with unresolved and unstudied inter- and intra-specific phylogenetic relationships. Using sequence data from two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes and applying several phylogenetic methods and species delimitation approaches to an extensive dataset, we have reconstructed the phylogeny of the Podarcis wall lizards in the Balkans, and re-investigated the taxonomic status of the P. tauricus species subgroup. Multilocus analyses revealed that the aforementioned subgroup consists of five major clades, with P. melisellensis as its most basal taxon. Monophyly of P. tauricus sensu stricto is not supported, with one of the subspecies (P. t. ionicus) displaying great genetic diversity (hidden diversity or cryptic species). It comprises five, geographically distinct, subclades with genetic distances on the species level. Species delimitation approaches revealed nine species within the P. tauricus species subgroup (P. melisellensis, P. gaigeae, P. milensis, and six in the P. tauricus complex), underlining the necessity of taxonomic re-evaluation. We thus synonymize some previously recognized subspecies in this subgroup, elevate P. t. tauricus and P. g. gaigeae to the species level and suggest a distinct Albanian-Greek clade, provisionally named as the P. ionicus species complex. The latter clade comprises five unconfirmed candidate species that call for comprehensive studies in the future.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } © 2016 Elsevier Inc. The monophyletic species subgroup of Podarcis tauricus is distributed in the western and southern parts of the Balkans, and includes four species with unresolved and unstudied inter- and intra-specific phylogenetic relationships. Using sequence data from two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes and applying several phylogenetic methods and species delimitation approaches to an extensive dataset, we have reconstructed the phylogeny of the Podarcis wall lizards in the Balkans, and re-investigated the taxonomic status of the P. tauricus species subgroup. Multilocus analyses revealed that the aforementioned subgroup consists of five major clades, with P. melisellensis as its most basal taxon. Monophyly of P. tauricus sensu stricto is not supported, with one of the subspecies (P. t. ionicus) displaying great genetic diversity (hidden diversity or cryptic species). It comprises five, geographically distinct, subclades with genetic distances on the species level. Species delimitation approaches revealed nine species within the P. tauricus species subgroup (P. melisellensis, P. gaigeae, P. milensis, and six in the P. tauricus complex), underlining the necessity of taxonomic re-evaluation. We thus synonymize some previously recognized subspecies in this subgroup, elevate P. t. tauricus and P. g. gaigeae to the species level and suggest a distinct Albanian-Greek clade, provisionally named as the P. ionicus species complex. The latter clade comprises five unconfirmed candidate species that call for comprehensive studies in the future. |
2013 |
Antoniou, A; Magoulas, A; Platis, P; Kotoulas, G Assessing the genetic landscape of a contact zone: The case of European hare in northeastern Greece Journal Article Genetica, 141 (1-3), 2013, ISSN: 00166707. @article{antoniou_assessing_2013, title = {Assessing the genetic landscape of a contact zone: The case of European hare in northeastern Greece}, author = {A Antoniou and A Magoulas and P Platis and G Kotoulas}, doi = {10.1007/s10709-013-9703-z}, issn = {00166707}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {Genetica}, volume = {141}, number = {1-3}, abstract = {The European hare populations of the Balkan Peninsula comprise two divergent phylogenetic lineages with discrete geographical distribution slightly overlapping in the area of northeastern Greece and Bulgaria. Here we elucidate their contact zone, by defining the spatial distributional pattern of the two highly divergent groups, detecting individuals of hybrid origin, and identifying genetic barriers present in the area of their co-existence. Specimens from northeastern Greece were assayed for lineage assignment and population genetic inference based on a 511 bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA control region and allelic data from 10 microsatellite loci. Bayesian analyses on original and simulated genotypes were performed allowing for the contact zone delineation. Our results indicate high genetic diversity in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, strong population structure and non random spatial distribution of the differentiated gene pools. The information provided by the two types of molecular markers yielded consistent results. This study comprises a fine scale analysis of the contact zone between the two evolutionary lineages of European brown hares in northeastern Greece. Specific questions on the spatial patterns where addressed for the first time. Furthermore, hypotheses regarding the presence of hybrids were also tested. As a result, interpretive power to the diversity patterns observed today in the Balkans was added and previously overlooked aspects of the species biology were highlighted. ? 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The European hare populations of the Balkan Peninsula comprise two divergent phylogenetic lineages with discrete geographical distribution slightly overlapping in the area of northeastern Greece and Bulgaria. Here we elucidate their contact zone, by defining the spatial distributional pattern of the two highly divergent groups, detecting individuals of hybrid origin, and identifying genetic barriers present in the area of their co-existence. Specimens from northeastern Greece were assayed for lineage assignment and population genetic inference based on a 511 bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA control region and allelic data from 10 microsatellite loci. Bayesian analyses on original and simulated genotypes were performed allowing for the contact zone delineation. Our results indicate high genetic diversity in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, strong population structure and non random spatial distribution of the differentiated gene pools. The information provided by the two types of molecular markers yielded consistent results. This study comprises a fine scale analysis of the contact zone between the two evolutionary lineages of European brown hares in northeastern Greece. Specific questions on the spatial patterns where addressed for the first time. Furthermore, hypotheses regarding the presence of hybrids were also tested. As a result, interpretive power to the diversity patterns observed today in the Balkans was added and previously overlooked aspects of the species biology were highlighted. ? 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. |
Antoniou, Aglaia; Magoulas, Antonios Application of Mitochondrial DNA in Stock Identification Incollection Stock Identification Methods: Applications in Fishery Science: Second Edition, 2013, ISBN: 978-0-12-397003-9. @incollection{antoniou_application_2013, title = {Application of Mitochondrial DNA in Stock Identification}, author = {Aglaia Antoniou and Antonios Magoulas}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-397003-9.00013-8}, isbn = {978-0-12-397003-9}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, booktitle = {Stock Identification Methods: Applications in Fishery Science: Second Edition}, abstract = {Biological studies in the marine realm face some great challenges associated with the special attributes of the marine environment, in addition to the acceleration of environmental changes that increase the astounding rate of biodiversity loss. Molecular genetics has made some remarkable contributions to our understanding of populations, providing novel insights into previously inaccessible aspects of the natural history of marine organisms. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has proven to be an invaluable tool in species and stock identification as a population-genetic, phylogeographic, and phylogenetic marker. However, understanding the forces that drive the molecular evolution of mtDNA is necessary for the proper use of this molecule for stock and species identification by recognizing and avoiding potential pitfalls in data interpretation. mtDNA data are best interpreted under a more holistic framework, in which information from nuclear DNA as well as on the zoogeography, biology, and life history of the taxon under study are also taken into account. Information on the geological history, hydrographic characteristics, and present environmental conditions of the area under consideration is also of great importance. The main methods used for raw data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation are briefly illustrated in this chapter. mtDNA data, despite recent challenges, remain a mainstay of phylogenetic studies at different levels of divergence. The advantages outlined in this chapter depend not only on the biological attributes of mtDNA but also on the application of sophisticated statistical approaches to the data, the development of methods for extracting demographic information from gene genealogies, and the critical approach of the researcher. ?? 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {incollection} } Biological studies in the marine realm face some great challenges associated with the special attributes of the marine environment, in addition to the acceleration of environmental changes that increase the astounding rate of biodiversity loss. Molecular genetics has made some remarkable contributions to our understanding of populations, providing novel insights into previously inaccessible aspects of the natural history of marine organisms. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has proven to be an invaluable tool in species and stock identification as a population-genetic, phylogeographic, and phylogenetic marker. However, understanding the forces that drive the molecular evolution of mtDNA is necessary for the proper use of this molecule for stock and species identification by recognizing and avoiding potential pitfalls in data interpretation. mtDNA data are best interpreted under a more holistic framework, in which information from nuclear DNA as well as on the zoogeography, biology, and life history of the taxon under study are also taken into account. Information on the geological history, hydrographic characteristics, and present environmental conditions of the area under consideration is also of great importance. The main methods used for raw data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation are briefly illustrated in this chapter. mtDNA data, despite recent challenges, remain a mainstay of phylogenetic studies at different levels of divergence. The advantages outlined in this chapter depend not only on the biological attributes of mtDNA but also on the application of sophisticated statistical approaches to the data, the development of methods for extracting demographic information from gene genealogies, and the critical approach of the researcher. ?? 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
2012 |
Christodoulou, Magdalini; Antoniou, Aglaia; Magoulas, Antonios; Koukouras, Athanasios Revision of the freshwater genus Atyaephyra (Crustacea, Decapoda, Atyidae) based on morphological and molecular data Journal Article ZooKeys, 2012, ISSN: 13132989, (ISBN: 1313-2989). @article{christodoulou_revision_2012, title = {Revision of the freshwater genus Atyaephyra (Crustacea, Decapoda, Atyidae) based on morphological and molecular data}, author = {Magdalini Christodoulou and Aglaia Antoniou and Antonios Magoulas and Athanasios Koukouras}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.229.3919}, issn = {13132989}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {ZooKeys}, abstract = {Atyaephyra de Brito Capello, 1867 was described from the Mediterranean region almost 200 years ago. Since then, the genus has been recorded from various freshwater habitats in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Despite its long history, the taxonomic status of Atyaephyra species remains confusing and uncertain. Consequently numerous specimens from the known range of Atyaephyra were analysed using morphological characters and mitochondrial COI sequences in an attempt to clarify the taxonomy of this genus. The present study recognises seven Atyaephyra species, more than twice as many as previously recorded (three), four of which are considered as new. The new species are described, additional information to the original descriptions are provided for the remaining three taxa, while neotypes of Atyaephyra desmarestii Millet, 1831 and Atyaephyra stankoi Karaman, 1972 are designated to stabilize their taxonomy. Non-overlapping distinguishing morphological characters are used to discriminate the examined material into five species, e.g., Atyaephyra desmarestii, Atyaephyra stankoi, Atyaephyra orientalis Bouvier, 1913, Atyaephyra thyamisensissp. n., Atyaephyra strymonensissp. n. In addition, the genetic analysis supports the existence of multiple phylogenetic clades in the broader Mediterranean area and distinguishes two new cryptic species, namely Atyaephyra tuerkayisp. n. and Atyaephyra acheronensissp. n. The geographic distribution of these species is confirmed and their phylogenetic relationships are described.}, note = {ISBN: 1313-2989}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Atyaephyra de Brito Capello, 1867 was described from the Mediterranean region almost 200 years ago. Since then, the genus has been recorded from various freshwater habitats in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Despite its long history, the taxonomic status of Atyaephyra species remains confusing and uncertain. Consequently numerous specimens from the known range of Atyaephyra were analysed using morphological characters and mitochondrial COI sequences in an attempt to clarify the taxonomy of this genus. The present study recognises seven Atyaephyra species, more than twice as many as previously recorded (three), four of which are considered as new. The new species are described, additional information to the original descriptions are provided for the remaining three taxa, while neotypes of Atyaephyra desmarestii Millet, 1831 and Atyaephyra stankoi Karaman, 1972 are designated to stabilize their taxonomy. Non-overlapping distinguishing morphological characters are used to discriminate the examined material into five species, e.g., Atyaephyra desmarestii, Atyaephyra stankoi, Atyaephyra orientalis Bouvier, 1913, Atyaephyra thyamisensissp. n., Atyaephyra strymonensissp. n. In addition, the genetic analysis supports the existence of multiple phylogenetic clades in the broader Mediterranean area and distinguishes two new cryptic species, namely Atyaephyra tuerkayisp. n. and Atyaephyra acheronensissp. n. The geographic distribution of these species is confirmed and their phylogenetic relationships are described. |
2010 |
Kochzius, Marc; Seidel, Christian; Antoniou, Aglaia; Botla, Sandeep Kumar; Campo, Daniel; Cariani, Alessia; Vazquez, Eva Garcia; Hauschild, Janet; Hervet, Caroline; Hjörleifsdottir, Sigridur; Hreggvidsson, Gudmundur; Kappel, Kristina; Landi, Monica; Magoulas, Antonios; Marteinsson, Viggo; Nölte, Manfred; Planes, Serge; Tinti, Fausto; Turan, Cemal; Venugopal, Moleyur N; Weber, Hannes; Blohm, Dietmar Identifying Fishes through DNA Barcodes and Microarrays Journal Article PLoS ONE, 5 (9), pp. e12620, 2010, ISSN: 1932-6203. @article{kochzius_identifying_2010, title = {Identifying Fishes through DNA Barcodes and Microarrays}, author = {Marc Kochzius and Christian Seidel and Aglaia Antoniou and Sandeep Kumar Botla and Daniel Campo and Alessia Cariani and Eva Garcia Vazquez and Janet Hauschild and Caroline Hervet and Sigridur Hjörleifsdottir and Gudmundur Hreggvidsson and Kristina Kappel and Monica Landi and Antonios Magoulas and Viggo Marteinsson and Manfred Nölte and Serge Planes and Fausto Tinti and Cemal Turan and Moleyur N Venugopal and Hannes Weber and Dietmar Blohm}, editor = {Robert DeSalle}, url = {https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0012620}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0012620}, issn = {1932-6203}, year = {2010}, date = {2010-09-01}, urldate = {2020-08-09}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {5}, number = {9}, pages = {e12620}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
2008 |
Poulakakis, N; Antoniou, A; Mantziou, G; Parmakelis, A; Skartsi, T; Vasilakis, D; Elorriaga, J; Puente, De La J; Gavashelishvili, A; Ghasabyan, M; Katzner, T; McGrady, M; Batbayar, N; Fuller, M; Natsagdorj, T Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 95 (4), pp. 859–872, 2008. @article{poulakakis_population_2008, title = {Population structure, diversity, and phylogeography in the near-threatened Eurasian black vultures Aegypius monachus (Falconiformes; Accipitridae) in Europe: Insights from microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA variation}, author = {N Poulakakis and A Antoniou and G Mantziou and A Parmakelis and T Skartsi and D Vasilakis and J Elorriaga and J De La Puente and A Gavashelishvili and M Ghasabyan and T Katzner and M McGrady and N Batbayar and M Fuller and T Natsagdorj}, doi = {10.1111/j.1095-8312.2008.01099.x}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-01-01}, journal = {Biological Journal of the Linnean Society}, volume = {95}, number = {4}, pages = {859--872}, abstract = {The Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) has experienced a severe decline during the last two centuries and is globally classified as near-threatened. This has led to the extinction of many traditional breeding areas in Europe and resulted in the present patchy distribution (Iberian and Balkan peninsulas) in the Western Palearctic. In the present study, we describe the current genetic status of the European populations using both mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers, comparing with those found in Asia (Mongolia and Caucasus region). Although, mitochondrial (mt)DNA revealed a relatively low genetic variability (haplotype diversity), no evidence of genome-wide genetic erosion exists because nuclear diversity exhibits normal levels and strong differentiation. A highly philopatric dispersal behaviour must be invoked to explain the existence of a clear pattern that revealed by the phylogeographic analysis, which indicates a sharp East-West clinal distribution and an allopatric differentiation. The distribution of mtDNA haplotypes one in the Iberian population and two in Balkan population and the significance divergence at nuclear loci fulfill the definitions of those populations as evolutionary significant units. We discuss how management strategies should aim at the maintenance (or increase) of current genetic variability levels, suggesting that independent conservation plans are urgently required to protect these two breeding European populations from extinction. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) has experienced a severe decline during the last two centuries and is globally classified as near-threatened. This has led to the extinction of many traditional breeding areas in Europe and resulted in the present patchy distribution (Iberian and Balkan peninsulas) in the Western Palearctic. In the present study, we describe the current genetic status of the European populations using both mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers, comparing with those found in Asia (Mongolia and Caucasus region). Although, mitochondrial (mt)DNA revealed a relatively low genetic variability (haplotype diversity), no evidence of genome-wide genetic erosion exists because nuclear diversity exhibits normal levels and strong differentiation. A highly philopatric dispersal behaviour must be invoked to explain the existence of a clear pattern that revealed by the phylogeographic analysis, which indicates a sharp East-West clinal distribution and an allopatric differentiation. The distribution of mtDNA haplotypes one in the Iberian population and two in Balkan population and the significance divergence at nuclear loci fulfill the definitions of those populations as evolutionary significant units. We discuss how management strategies should aim at the maintenance (or increase) of current genetic variability levels, suggesting that independent conservation plans are urgently required to protect these two breeding European populations from extinction. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London. |
Kochzius, M; Nölte, M; Weber, H; Silkenbeumer, N; Hjörleifsdottir, S; Hreggvidsson, G O; Marteinsson, V; Kappel, K; Planes, S; Tinti, F; Magoulas, A; Vazquez, Garcia E; Turan, C; Hervet, C; Falgueras, Campo D; Antoniou, A; Landi, M; Blohm, D DNA microarrays for identifying fishes Journal Article Marine Biotechnology, 2008, ISSN: 14362228, (ISBN: 1436-2228). @article{kochzius_dna_2008, title = {DNA microarrays for identifying fishes}, author = {M Kochzius and M Nölte and H Weber and N Silkenbeumer and S Hjörleifsdottir and G O Hreggvidsson and V Marteinsson and K Kappel and S Planes and F Tinti and A Magoulas and E Garcia Vazquez and C Turan and C Hervet and D Campo Falgueras and A Antoniou and M Landi and D Blohm}, doi = {10.1007/s10126-007-9068-3}, issn = {14362228}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-01-01}, journal = {Marine Biotechnology}, abstract = {In many cases marine organisms and especially their diverse developmental stages are difficult to identify by morphological characters. DNA-based identification methods offer an analytically powerful addition or even an alternative. In this study, a DNA microarray has been developed to be able to investigate its potential as a tool for the identification of fish species from European seas based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Eleven commercially important fish species were selected for a first prototype. Oligonucleotide probes were designed based on the 16S rDNA sequences obtained from 230 individuals of 27 fish species. In addition, more than 1200 sequences of 380 species served as sequence background against which the specificity of the probes was tested in silico. Single target hybridisations with Cy5-labelled, PCR-amplified 16S rDNA fragments from each of the 11 species on microarrays containing the complete set of probes confirmed their suitability. True-positive, fluorescence signals obtained were at least one order of magnitude stronger than false-positive cross-hybridisations. Single nontarget hybridisations resulted in cross-hybridisation signals at approximately 27% of the cases tested, but all of them were at least one order of magnitude lower than true-positive signals. This study demonstrates that the 16S rDNA gene is suitable for designing oligonucleotide probes, which can be used to differentiate 11 fish species. These data are a solid basis for the second step to create a “Fish Chip” for approximately 50 fish species relevant in marine environmental and fisheries research, as well as control of fisheries products.}, note = {ISBN: 1436-2228}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } In many cases marine organisms and especially their diverse developmental stages are difficult to identify by morphological characters. DNA-based identification methods offer an analytically powerful addition or even an alternative. In this study, a DNA microarray has been developed to be able to investigate its potential as a tool for the identification of fish species from European seas based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Eleven commercially important fish species were selected for a first prototype. Oligonucleotide probes were designed based on the 16S rDNA sequences obtained from 230 individuals of 27 fish species. In addition, more than 1200 sequences of 380 species served as sequence background against which the specificity of the probes was tested in silico. Single target hybridisations with Cy5-labelled, PCR-amplified 16S rDNA fragments from each of the 11 species on microarrays containing the complete set of probes confirmed their suitability. True-positive, fluorescence signals obtained were at least one order of magnitude stronger than false-positive cross-hybridisations. Single nontarget hybridisations resulted in cross-hybridisation signals at approximately 27% of the cases tested, but all of them were at least one order of magnitude lower than true-positive signals. This study demonstrates that the 16S rDNA gene is suitable for designing oligonucleotide probes, which can be used to differentiate 11 fish species. These data are a solid basis for the second step to create a “Fish Chip” for approximately 50 fish species relevant in marine environmental and fisheries research, as well as control of fisheries products. |
Antoniou, Aglaia; Kotoulas, Georgios; Magoulas, Antonios; Alves, Paulo Célio Evidence of autumn reproduction in female European hares (Lepus europaeus) from southern Europe Journal Article European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008, ISSN: 16124642, (ISBN: 1612-4642). @article{antoniou_evidence_2008, title = {Evidence of autumn reproduction in female European hares (Lepus europaeus) from southern Europe}, author = {Aglaia Antoniou and Georgios Kotoulas and Antonios Magoulas and Paulo Célio Alves}, doi = {10.1007/s10344-008-0182-y}, issn = {16124642}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-01-01}, journal = {European Journal of Wildlife Research}, abstract = {Information on reproductive biology of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) in different environmental and landscape conditions comprises part of fundamental knowledge regarding species' adaptive responses as well as many aspects of its biology. Most of the studies conducted on European hare reproduction are confined to midlatitude and northern populations, whereas no data exist on the indigenous southern populations. Here, we present information on reproductive characteristics of European hares inhabiting Mediterranean ecosystems on the island of Crete, Greece for two successive hunting seasons. Although the annual reproductive cycle of the species is well known, with an autumn sexual inactivity, the duration of this period is subjected to fluctuations in different years and for different areas. According to our data, hare populations of Crete present an autumn-early winter reproductive activity with high proportions of pregnant females observed in all the months of the study. Furthermore, the estimated mean litter size (1.54 SE +/- 0.07) while signed to the lowest values ever observed for European hares is similar to values obtained in continuous breeding species of the same genus, Lepus granatensis, Lepus corsicanus, Lepus (capensis) mediterraneus, and Lepus capensis also inhabiting warm climates. In conclusion, our results suggest that Cretan European hare populations exhibit a reproductively active period during autumn-early winter where proportions of pregnant females and litter size give a strong indication of a continuous reproduction throughout the year.}, note = {ISBN: 1612-4642}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Information on reproductive biology of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) in different environmental and landscape conditions comprises part of fundamental knowledge regarding species' adaptive responses as well as many aspects of its biology. Most of the studies conducted on European hare reproduction are confined to midlatitude and northern populations, whereas no data exist on the indigenous southern populations. Here, we present information on reproductive characteristics of European hares inhabiting Mediterranean ecosystems on the island of Crete, Greece for two successive hunting seasons. Although the annual reproductive cycle of the species is well known, with an autumn sexual inactivity, the duration of this period is subjected to fluctuations in different years and for different areas. According to our data, hare populations of Crete present an autumn-early winter reproductive activity with high proportions of pregnant females observed in all the months of the study. Furthermore, the estimated mean litter size (1.54 SE +/- 0.07) while signed to the lowest values ever observed for European hares is similar to values obtained in continuous breeding species of the same genus, Lepus granatensis, Lepus corsicanus, Lepus (capensis) mediterraneus, and Lepus capensis also inhabiting warm climates. In conclusion, our results suggest that Cretan European hare populations exhibit a reproductively active period during autumn-early winter where proportions of pregnant females and litter size give a strong indication of a continuous reproduction throughout the year. |
Daskalakis, M; Rigas, F; A, Magoulas; Kotoulas, Giorgios; Katsikis, I; Bakolas, A; Karageorgis, A; Antoniou, A; Skaraki, K Development of a biotechnological method for the restoration of stone monuments Inproceedings pp. 61–62, Athens, Greece, 2008, (Publication Title: 1st National MikroBioKosmos Society Conference, Athens, Greece, 12-14 December Type: Poster). @inproceedings{daskalakis_development_2008, title = {Development of a biotechnological method for the restoration of stone monuments}, author = {M Daskalakis and F Rigas and Magoulas A and Giorgios Kotoulas and I Katsikis and A Bakolas and A Karageorgis and A Antoniou and K Skaraki}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-01-01}, pages = {61--62}, address = {Athens, Greece}, note = {Publication Title: 1st National MikroBioKosmos Society Conference, Athens, Greece, 12-14 December Type: Poster}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inproceedings} } |
2007 |
Kotoulas, G; Mejuto, J; Antoniou, A; Kasapidis, P; Tserpes, G; Piccineti, C; Peristeraki, P; Garcia-Cortes, B; Oikonomaki, K; la Serna, De M J; Magoulas, A Global genetic structure of the swordfish Xiphias gladius, as revealed by microsatellite markers Journal Article Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 61 , pp. 79–88, 2007. @article{kotoulas_global_2007, title = {Global genetic structure of the swordfish Xiphias gladius, as revealed by microsatellite markers}, author = {G Kotoulas and J Mejuto and A Antoniou and P Kasapidis and G Tserpes and C Piccineti and P Peristeraki and B Garcia-Cortes and K Oikonomaki and M J De la Serna and A Magoulas}, year = {2007}, date = {2007-01-01}, journal = {Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT}, volume = {61}, pages = {79--88}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Kasapidis, P; Valeiras, X; Antoniou, A; Kotoulas, Giorgios; Garcia-Cortes, B; Mejuto, J Genetic and growth profiles of three specimens of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) tagged and recaptured in the North Atlantic Journal Article Col. Vol. Sci. Pap., ICCAT SCRS-06-119, 60 (6), pp. 1964–1973, 2007. @article{kasapidis_genetic_2007, title = {Genetic and growth profiles of three specimens of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) tagged and recaptured in the North Atlantic}, author = {P Kasapidis and X Valeiras and A Antoniou and Giorgios Kotoulas and B Garcia-Cortes and J Mejuto}, year = {2007}, date = {2007-01-01}, journal = {Col. Vol. Sci. Pap., ICCAT SCRS-06-119}, volume = {60}, number = {6}, pages = {1964--1973}, abstract = {This paper presents an analysis of the genetic and growth patterns of three swordfish specimens (two males and one female) tagged with traditional tags and later recaptured over a period of time ranging from 2.7 to 5.4 years. Two of these specimens were tagged and recaptured in the NW Atlantic, while the third individual was tagged and recaptured in the NE Atlantic. These three specimens were genotyped for four micro-satellite loci and were analysed together with additional genotyped specimens from Atlantic and Mediterranean areas using a Bayesian cluster analyses. The results suggest that the three recaptured swordfish have a genetic profile that is characteristic of the Atlantic. The growth patterns were seen to differ in two of the specimens analysed (male and female): the male was assumed as a single ring pattern, while the female was assumed as a mostly double ring pattern. The age estimation of these two specimens according to these premises could be accommodated to previous growth studies. The third specimen which is known to be a male at least 6 years of age, tagged and recaptured in the NW Atlantic, was not possible to accommodate to previous growth studies. The examination of genetic data in combination with tagging-recapture information may facilitate the study of aspects related to individual and stock specific growth and elucidate the patterns of ring formation on the hard parts (spines). It would be advisable to enhance the tagging-recapture protocols of swordfish and to include the routine sampling of tissues and hard parts in all the recaptures made by the different fleets.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This paper presents an analysis of the genetic and growth patterns of three swordfish specimens (two males and one female) tagged with traditional tags and later recaptured over a period of time ranging from 2.7 to 5.4 years. Two of these specimens were tagged and recaptured in the NW Atlantic, while the third individual was tagged and recaptured in the NE Atlantic. These three specimens were genotyped for four micro-satellite loci and were analysed together with additional genotyped specimens from Atlantic and Mediterranean areas using a Bayesian cluster analyses. The results suggest that the three recaptured swordfish have a genetic profile that is characteristic of the Atlantic. The growth patterns were seen to differ in two of the specimens analysed (male and female): the male was assumed as a single ring pattern, while the female was assumed as a mostly double ring pattern. The age estimation of these two specimens according to these premises could be accommodated to previous growth studies. The third specimen which is known to be a male at least 6 years of age, tagged and recaptured in the NW Atlantic, was not possible to accommodate to previous growth studies. The examination of genetic data in combination with tagging-recapture information may facilitate the study of aspects related to individual and stock specific growth and elucidate the patterns of ring formation on the hard parts (spines). It would be advisable to enhance the tagging-recapture protocols of swordfish and to include the routine sampling of tissues and hard parts in all the recaptures made by the different fleets. |
Kasapidis, P; Mejuto, J; Tserpes, G; Antoniou, A; Garcia-Cortes, B; Peristeraki, P; Oikonomaki, K; Kotoulas, Giorgios; A., Magoulas Genetic structure of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) stocks in the Atlantic using microsatellite DNA analysis Journal Article Col. Vol. Sci. Pap., ICCAT SCRS-06-035, 61 , pp. 89–98, 2007. @article{kasapidis_genetic_2007-1, title = {Genetic structure of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) stocks in the Atlantic using microsatellite DNA analysis}, author = {P Kasapidis and J Mejuto and G Tserpes and A Antoniou and B Garcia-Cortes and P Peristeraki and K Oikonomaki and Giorgios Kotoulas and Magoulas A.}, year = {2007}, date = {2007-01-01}, journal = {Col. Vol. Sci. Pap., ICCAT SCRS-06-035}, volume = {61}, pages = {89--98}, abstract = {The genetic structure of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Atlantic Ocean was examined by genotyping 1179 individuals for 4 microsatellite loci. These individuals were collected during the years 1999-2002 from the following regions: south Atlantic (up to 5oN), mid-Atlantic (9oN to 20oN), northeast Atlantic (North of 30oN and East of 31oW), northwest Atlantic (North of 30oN and West of 31oW). Gene diversity was very high (textbackslashtextgreater0.96) for all four loci. Heterogeneity tests and pairwise Fsts showed that the South Atlantic group was significantly different from all the other groups (ptextbackslashtextless0.000).These results are in agreement with previous mitochondrial DNA data and do not support a need for changing the 5oN latitude as a boundary for fisheries. Some individuals were also genotyped for the Calmodulin intron 4 gene (CaM) to compare with an earlier dataset for this marker. Allele frequencies found for CaM were in agreement with previous observation and showed a different population structure pattern compared to that revealed by microsatellites. However, the pattern reflected in CaM should be treated with caution, since CaM is only a single diallelic locus, possibly under strong selection. The genotyping of the samples for more microsatellite loci, which is in progress, is expected to further elucidate the genetic structure of the swordfish in the Atlantic, by further increasing resolution.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The genetic structure of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Atlantic Ocean was examined by genotyping 1179 individuals for 4 microsatellite loci. These individuals were collected during the years 1999-2002 from the following regions: south Atlantic (up to 5oN), mid-Atlantic (9oN to 20oN), northeast Atlantic (North of 30oN and East of 31oW), northwest Atlantic (North of 30oN and West of 31oW). Gene diversity was very high (textbackslashtextgreater0.96) for all four loci. Heterogeneity tests and pairwise Fsts showed that the South Atlantic group was significantly different from all the other groups (ptextbackslashtextless0.000).These results are in agreement with previous mitochondrial DNA data and do not support a need for changing the 5oN latitude as a boundary for fisheries. Some individuals were also genotyped for the Calmodulin intron 4 gene (CaM) to compare with an earlier dataset for this marker. Allele frequencies found for CaM were in agreement with previous observation and showed a different population structure pattern compared to that revealed by microsatellites. However, the pattern reflected in CaM should be treated with caution, since CaM is only a single diallelic locus, possibly under strong selection. The genotyping of the samples for more microsatellite loci, which is in progress, is expected to further elucidate the genetic structure of the swordfish in the Atlantic, by further increasing resolution. |
2005 |
Mantziou, G; Antoniou, A; Poulakakis, N; Goulielmos, G; Tsigenopoulos, C S; Pinou, T; Mylonas, M Isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite markers in the freshwater turtle Mauremys rivulata (Testudines: Geoemydidae) Journal Article Molecular Ecology Notes, 5 (4), pp. 727–729, 2005. @article{mantziou_isolation_2005, title = {Isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite markers in the freshwater turtle Mauremys rivulata (Testudines: Geoemydidae)}, author = {G Mantziou and A Antoniou and N Poulakakis and G Goulielmos and C S Tsigenopoulos and T Pinou and M Mylonas}, url = {http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1471-8286.2005.01046.x}, doi = {10.1111/j.1471-8286.2005.01046.x}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Ecology Notes}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, pages = {727--729}, abstract = {Abstract Six polymorphic microsatellite loci containing dinucleotide repeats were developed for the freshwater turtle Mauremys rivulata. The number of alleles ranged from five to 18. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.19 to 0.79 and 0.46 to 0.90, respectively. These markers may serve as a valuable tool for population genetics analyses and provide information on the evolutionary history of the species.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Abstract Six polymorphic microsatellite loci containing dinucleotide repeats were developed for the freshwater turtle Mauremys rivulata. The number of alleles ranged from five to 18. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.19 to 0.79 and 0.46 to 0.90, respectively. These markers may serve as a valuable tool for population genetics analyses and provide information on the evolutionary history of the species. |
Poulakakis, N; Goulielmos, G; Antoniou, A; Zouros, E; Mylonas, M Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the wall lizard Podarcis erhardii (Squamata: Lacertidae) Journal Article Molecular Ecology Notes, 5 (3), pp. 549–551, 2005. @article{poulakakis_isolation_2005, title = {Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the wall lizard Podarcis erhardii (Squamata: Lacertidae)}, author = {N Poulakakis and G Goulielmos and A Antoniou and E Zouros and M Mylonas}, doi = {10.1111/j.1471-8286.2005.00986.x}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Ecology Notes}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {549--551}, abstract = {Five polymorphic microsatellite loci (containing di- and penta-nucleotide repeats) were developed for the Erhard's wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, an endemic species of southern Balkan Peninsula. The number of alleles ranged from five to 17. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.28 to 0.92 and 0.57 to 0.91, respectively. These markers will provide a valuable tool for population genetics analyses and can contribute to the evaluation of conservation programs. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Five polymorphic microsatellite loci (containing di- and penta-nucleotide repeats) were developed for the Erhard's wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, an endemic species of southern Balkan Peninsula. The number of alleles ranged from five to 17. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.28 to 0.92 and 0.57 to 0.91, respectively. These markers will provide a valuable tool for population genetics analyses and can contribute to the evaluation of conservation programs. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. |
2003 |
Poulakakis, N; Lymberakis, P; Antoniou, A; Chalkia, D; Zouros, E; Mylonas, M; Valakos, E Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the wall-lizard Podarcis erhardii (Squamata: Lacertidae) Journal Article Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 28 , pp. 38–46, 2003. @article{poulakakis_molecular_2003, title = {Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the wall-lizard Podarcis erhardii (Squamata: Lacertidae)}, author = {N Poulakakis and P Lymberakis and A Antoniou and D Chalkia and E Zouros and M Mylonas and E Valakos}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105579030300037X}, doi = {DOI:.org/10.1016/S1055-7903(03)00037-X}, year = {2003}, date = {2003-01-01}, journal = {Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution}, volume = {28}, pages = {38--46}, abstract = {Erhard's wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii (Sauria: Lacertidae), is highly diversified in Greece and especially in the southern Aegean region. Out of the 28 recognized subspecies, 27 are found in Greece from the North Sporades island-complex in the North Aegean (grossly south of the 39th parallel) to the island of Crete in the South. The species exhibits great morphological and ecological plasticity and inhabits many different habitats from rocky islets and sandy shores to mountaintops as high as 2000 m. By examining intraspecific variability at a segment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b we have found that that extant populations of P. erhardii are paraphyletic. Furthermore, we have found that subspecies previously defined on the basis of morphological characteristics do not correspond to different molecular phylogenetic clades, so that their status should be reconsidered. The DNA based biogeographical and phylogenetic history of Podarcis in Southern Greece is congruent with available paleogeographic data of the region, which supports the view that DNA sequences may be a useful tool for the study of palaeogeography.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Erhard's wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii (Sauria: Lacertidae), is highly diversified in Greece and especially in the southern Aegean region. Out of the 28 recognized subspecies, 27 are found in Greece from the North Sporades island-complex in the North Aegean (grossly south of the 39th parallel) to the island of Crete in the South. The species exhibits great morphological and ecological plasticity and inhabits many different habitats from rocky islets and sandy shores to mountaintops as high as 2000 m. By examining intraspecific variability at a segment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b we have found that that extant populations of P. erhardii are paraphyletic. Furthermore, we have found that subspecies previously defined on the basis of morphological characteristics do not correspond to different molecular phylogenetic clades, so that their status should be reconsidered. The DNA based biogeographical and phylogenetic history of Podarcis in Southern Greece is congruent with available paleogeographic data of the region, which supports the view that DNA sequences may be a useful tool for the study of palaeogeography. |