Multiple substitutions and reduced genetic variability in sharks

The present study analyzed the genetic variability of the populations of four shark species (Carcharhinus limbatus, Carcharhinus porosus, Rhizoprionodon porosus, and Sphyrna tudes) from the Atlantic coast of the Amazon region. The analyses were based on the sequencing of the mitochondrial Control Region and Cytochrome b gene. S. tudes presented reduced diversity for both markers, which may be related to overexploitation by local fisheries. Most of the genetic variation in the four species was found in the 5′ portion of the Control Region, corresponding to a region of 210 bps, characterized by multiple substitutions (mutational hotspots) at the same sites. These mutations clearly biased the genetic diversity and affected the reliable of the analyses based exclusively on the Control Region. As Cytochrome b was not affected by these mutational events, this marker provided more reliable parameters for the evaluation of patterns of demographic expansion only for R. porosus. The present study indicated that the analysis of both markers is essential to guarantee the reliability of estimates of genetic variability, given that estimates based on the Control Region may be biased, and thus reduce the effectiveness of conservation and management measures designed to guarantee the long-term protection of stocks. •We analyzed the genetic variability of the populations of four shark species.•We have sequenced the mitochondrial Control Region and Cytochrome b gene.•Most of the genetic variation was found in the 5′ portion of the CR.•This region is characterized by multiple substitutions at the same sites.•Sphyrna tudes presented reduced diversity, which may be related to overexploitation.