MAHON, A.R.; CARPENTER, K.E.; Old Dominion University; Old Dominion University: The use of the recombintion activating gene (RAG-1) to elucidate interfamilial relationships within the Perciformes

The use of molecular tools to determine generic and species level relationships among organisms has become routine. However, the commonly utilized genes, such as cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, evolved at rapid rates and do not provide the necessary information when it comes to elucidating deeper phylogenetic nodes. To determine deeper level relationships, it is essential to choose a gene whose variation is more conserved, thus making it more appropriate for this level of study. The recombination activating gene 1 (RAG-1) has shown great promise in determining these higher level relationships. RAG-1 is a single copy, nuclear gene that aids in V(D)J recombination in the production of lymphocytes. The present study utilizes the RAG-1 gene to resolve differences between families of Perciform fishes. As a foundation for this study, the family Kurtidae was used as our model due to its vague placement among the Perciformes. In order to determine its systematic location, approximately 1500 bases of the RAG-1 gene were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed for the Kurtidae and 20 other representative families, including outgroups. Preliminary results provide the relationships of these fishes within this order and show the utility of the RAG-1 gene for elucidation of associations at this level.