Evidence from intron 1 of the nuclear transthyretin (Prealbumin) gene for the phylogeny of African mole-rats (Bathyergidae)

A 900- to 1100-bp fragment encompassing intron 1 of the nuclear transthyret in (prealbumin) gene was examined in 12 taxa of Old World hystricognath rod ents of the families Bathyergidae, Petromuridae, Thryonomyidae, and Hystric idae. Within the Bathyergidae, Heterocephalus glaber (naked mole-rat) was b asal, and the other East African species, Heliophobius argenteocinereus (si lvery mole-rat), was sister to a southern African clade containing Bathyerg us, Cryptomys, and Georychus (dune, common, and cape mole-rats). These resu lts are congruent with studies using mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequences. A combined analysis of transthyretin and 12S rRNA data resulted in a well- supported topology with better resolution than either gene analyzed separat ely. These data support the findings by M. W. Allard and R. L. Honeycutt (1 992, Mol. Biol. Evol. 9: 27-40) and R. L. Honeycutt (1992, Am. Sci. 80: 43- 53) that complex social systems evolved independently at least twice, in th e common and naked mole-rats, (C) 2000 Academic Press.