Complete mitochondrial genome of an extinct <i>Equus (Sussemionus) ovodovi</i> specimen from Denisova cave (Altai, Russia)

Abstract

<i>Sussemionus</i> is an extinct subgenus of <i>Equus</i> first characterized and delineated in 2010. The almost complete mitochondrial genome is available only for a single specimen of <i>Sussemionus</i> - a 40,000 years old <i>E. ovodovi</i> from Proskuryakova cave (Khakassia, Russia). Our studies of ancient horses from Denisova cave (Altai, Russia) revealed mitochondrial DNA of this species in a 32,000 years old sample. Using alignments to multiple mitochondrial genomes of non-caballine equids, we recovered 100% complete mitochondrial genome of <i>E. ovodovi</i> for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates close relationship between this individual and the one previously described in Khakassia.