PIRES, R.; CUNHA, S.; COATES, K.; TRAPIDO-ROSENTHAL, H.; COSTA, M.J.; University of the Azores; University of the Azores; Bermuda Biological Station for Research; Bermuda Biological Station for Research; University of the Azores: A contribution to the phylogeny of Sabella spallanzanii based on DNA sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial genes

The polychaete Sabella spallanzanii, commonly known as the fanworm, is a tubiculous species widespread throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the coasts of Australia and Northeastern Atlantic, including the Azores. The worms prefer harbours and embayments sheltered from direct wave action. They are generally found in shallow subtidal areas, attached to hard substrates. Based on morphological characteristics, these worms are taxonomically included in the Sabellidae family. Although sequence data from this species has been used to study the evolution of the globin gene family, there is insufficient knowledge on the molecular phylogeny of the species. In part, this can be attributed to the absence of available sequences for genes that are routinely used for molecular phylogenetics, such as the nuclear gene that codes for 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), and the mitochondrial gene that codes for cytochrome c oxidase I (CO-I). In order to fill this information void, 18S rRNA and CO-I gene sequences were obtained from Azorean specimens of S. spallanzanii. Protocols for genomic DNA extraction from these fanworms were optimized. The products of PCR amplification of both genes, were cloned and sequenced. The sequences will be used to assess the relationship of S. spallanzanii within its family and phyla, and the implications of using this molecular information for the phylogeny of the worms will be illustrated (sponsored by the Luso-American Foundation – Proj. 322/2000).