A mitochondrial mutational signature of temperature and longevity in ectothermic and endothermic vertebrates.

Mitochondrial mutational signature is very conserved and low deviations between species have been associated with longevity. By reconstructing species-specific mtDNA mutational spectrum for ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), we observed that temperature is a strong additional factor shaping the mtDNA mutational spectrum in ectotherms. The analysis of mammalian endotherms, with a special focus on species with temporarily or permanently low metabolic rates (hibernators, daily torpors, naked mole rat, etc.), confirmed the temperature effect, suggesting that two main factors shape between-species variation in mitochondrial mutational spectra: longevity and temperature.