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Review
. 2024 Aug 24;14(17):2460.
doi: 10.3390/ani14172460.

Mitochondrial DNA of the Arabian Camel Camelus dromedarius

Manee M Manee  1   2 , Badr M Al-Shomrani  1   2 , Fahad H Alqahtani  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Mitochondrial DNA of the Arabian Camel Camelus dromedarius

Manee M Manee et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

The Camelidae family, ranging from southwest Asia to north Africa, South America, and Australia, includes key domesticated species adapted to diverse environments. Among these, the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) is vital to the cultural and economic landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. This review explores the mitochondrial DNA of the dromedary camel, focusing on the D-loop region to understand its genetic diversity, maternal inheritance, and evolutionary history. We aim to investigate the unique characteristics of Arabian camel mtDNA, analyze the D-loop for genetic diversity and maternal lineage patterns, and explore the implications of mitochondrial genomic studies for camel domestication and adaptation. Key findings on mtDNA structure and variation highlight significant genetic differences and adaptive traits. The D-loop, essential for mtDNA replication and transcription, reveals extensive polymorphisms and haplotypes, providing insights into dromedary camel domestication and breeding history. Comparative analyses with other camelid species reveal unique genetic signatures in the Arabian camel, reflecting its evolutionary and adaptive pathways. Finally, this review integrates recent advancements in mitochondrial genomics, demonstrating camel genetic diversity and potential applications in conservation and breeding programs. Through comprehensive mitochondrial genome analysis, we aim to enhance the understanding of Camelidae genetics and contribute to the preservation and improvement of these vital animals.

Keywords: D-loop region; arabian camel; genetic diversity; maternal inheritance; mitochondrial DNA.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An Arabian camel in the desert of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Genetic exploration of these camels continues to reveal new insights into their unique adaptations and heritage.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Organization of the complete mitogenome of Camelus dromedarius (Arabian camel), which was visualized using OGDRAW [39]. Color blocks represent distinct genes. Blocks outside the circle indicate genes on the heavy strand, and blocks inside indicate genes on the light strand. The inner gray-colored circles represent the GC content graph.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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