The use of herbarium specimens in DNA phylogenetics: Evaluation and improvement

During the last few years we have been confronted with the need to use herbarium specimens in the molecular phylogeny studies, since it is generally difficult to obtain living material of some rare species. Ancient DNA has been sequenced, and there are also reports on successful DNA amplification from herbarium specimens. However, it is not easy to obtain amplified DNA from the first herbarium sample tested. In this paper, experiments are described about trials of DNA amplification from two to 151-year-old herbarium specimens of plant species we needed for our projects. Of the 17 herbarium samples tested only two allowed DNA amplification under standard DNA isolation conditions. Different types of PCR inhibiting activities were demonstrated in DNA extracts. In some of the extracts there was extremely low concentration of template with satisfactory quality. In some instances, PCR inhibiting activities were successfully removed by treating them either with insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone or by adding bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the amplification mixture. However, some PCR-inhibiting activities were resistant to the treatments described above. When the concentration of template was very low, a second PCR amplification with internal primers was necessary to increase the amount of DNA for sequencing. Nevertheless, contamination of either DNA extract or amplification mixture were sometimes observed, and consequently precautions were taken to minimize them. Finally, successful amplification was obtained in eight samples out of the 17 examined.     

Comparison of seven DNA extraction and amplification protocols in historical herbarium specimens of juncaceae

Seven DNA extraction protocols were used to obtain DNA from herbarium specimens ofJuncus andLuzula (Juncaceae) of various ages. DNA of historical samples is difficult to extract, and the extracts are seldom of good quality. The quality of DNA obtained was estimated by using a spectrophotometer to measure the A260/280 absorbance ratio. The total DNA yield was measured by a fluorometer. The results indicate the success of using both mixer mill grinding and a DNeasy Plant Kit. Another extraction protocol (grinding with mortar and pestle, using liquid nitrogen) yielded DNA from many samples. Modified CTAB extraction, with a lengthy precipitation, usually provided good amounts of DNA. Other protocols did not give satisfactory results.     

应用CTAB法对砂梨品种DNA提取效果的研究

为了获得质量较好的DNA,我们采用CTAB法对11个砂梨品种的叶片DNA提取情况进行了研究,发现参试样品中一些样品的蛋白质含量较多,而另外一些样品的多糖、酚类物质含量较高。对于蛋。白质含量较多的这类材料,适当增加24：1的处理次数能够使蛋白质沉淀下来;对于多糖、酚类物质含量较高的材料,用5mol／L的NaCl和3mol／L的NaAc等处理能够有效的降低多糖含量。另外,对研磨样品的加入量和PVP的加入时间进行了对比,最后用双酶切、电脉检测等不同的分析方法对所得到的DNA提取物的浓度和纯度进行检测,发现加入样品量在0．3g左右、在研磨后的粗提液中加入PVP,所得到的DNA质量较好.     

A rapid and inexpensive method for isolation of total DNA from dehydrated plant tissue

We describe an inexpensive method for dehydration of plant tissue and extraction of high molecular weight DNA. Tissue is dried for 12 to 24 hours in a food dehydrator and subsequently powdered for DNA extraction. Dicot tissue can be powdered in centrifuge tubesen masse using a commercial paint mixer and glass beads. With the use of the paint mixer, tissue never touches common surfaces that might lead to cross contamination, a potential benefit when the DNA is to be used for PCR reactions. The DNA is of a quality equal to that obtained from either lyophilized or fresh frozen tissue (commonly used in many labs). The advantages of the described procedure are that it is fast, does not require expensive equipment (e.g., lyophilizer) and can be used in situations where large numbers of samples must be extracted.     

Extraction of geminiviral DNA from a highly mucilaginous plant (Abelmoschus esculentus)

A protocol is described for the extraction of geminiviral DNA from bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus-infectedAbelmoschus esculentus (known as bhendi or okra) containing high amounts of mucilage and other phenolic compounds. This method involves extraction with a buffer containing sodium citrate at pH 6 and PEG precipitation of the virus followed by alkali lysis. The extraction buffer eliminates the mucilage and other polyphenols, PEG precipitates the viral particles and DNA and the alkali lysis enriches the replicative forms of the viral DNA. The extracted DNA could be digested with restriction enzymes and cloned without any interference from chromosomal DNA. The quality of the DNA extracted by this method was compared to three other common plant DNA extraction protocols and was found superior. This method was used for PCR amplification and cloning of the 2.7 kbp DNA-A of BYVMV.     

Isolating plant genomic DNA without liquid nitrogen

DNA was isolated from leaves of 10 plant species (Cuminum cyminum, Vigna aconitifolia, Pennisetum typhoides, Tecoma stans, Lycium barbarum, Anogeissus acuminata, Tecomella undulata, Zizyphus mauritiana, Phoenix dactylifera, andEruca sativa) and a fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) using the CTAB method. Three fixing solutions (alcohol, alcohol and chloroform, alcohol and EDTA) were used to produce high molecular weight DNA (>40 kb). DNA quality and quantity was comparable for the 3 fixing solutions and liquid nitrogen grinding. Adding chloroform or EDTA to fixing solutions offered no advantage over absolute alcohol. Isolated DNA was suitable for RAPD analysis, restriction digestion, and cloning. This method does not require liquid nitrogen for fixation, grinding, or storage at −80°C, making it advantagenous over other common protocols.     

A simple and efficient method for isolation of DNA in high mucilaginous plant tissues

A protocol is described for rapid DNA isolation from Malvaceae plant species and different tissues of Bixaceae that contain large amounts of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and pigments that interfere with DNA extractions. The method is a modification of Dellaporta et al. The current protocol is simple, and no phenolchloroform extraction, ethanol, or isopropranol precipitation is required. The method is based in the incubation of soluble DNA with silica, mix in batch during the extraction. The procedure can be completed in 2 h and many samples can be processed at the same time. DNA of excellent quality was recovered and used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, restriction enzyme digestion, and Southern blot analysis. The method was used with healthy Bixa orellana and virus-infected Malvaceae plants.     

Exploiting formalin-preserved fish specimens for resources of DNA barcoding

With the development of the DNA barcoding project, a large number of specimens are required to establish the library of reference barcode. Formalin-fixed samples from museums provide a potential resource for it. However, recovery of DNA and amplification of the target gene from formalin-fixed samples are challenging. In this study, a hot alkali pre-treatment accompanied by the use of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method was employed for DNA recovery from formalin-preserved samples, with the purpose of pursuing the optimal condition for high quantity and quality of DNA and minimizing PCR inhibition. Meanwhile, a semi-nested PCR-based method was developed to enhance the efficacy of amplification. This advanced protocol was demonstrated to be reliable and effective. Even for 23-year-old samples, genomic DNA could be extracted, and COI gene was correctly sequenced.     

An effective method for isolating DNA from historical specimens of baleen

DNA was isolated from an early twentieth century museum specimen of northern right whale baleen. A system of stringent controls and a novel set of cetacean specific primers eliminated contamination from external sources and ensured the authenticity of the results. Sequence analysis revealed that there were informative nucleotide positions between the museum specimen and extant members of the population and closely related species. The results indicate that museum specimens of baleen can be used to assess historical genetic population structure of the great whales.     

改良CTAB法提取林木树种基因组DNA的研究

目的:验证改良CTAB法提取不同林木树种基因组DNA的效果,寻求一种对于不同林木树种基因组DNA提取普遍使用的方法。方法:采用改良的CTAB法提取22种木本植物基因组DNA,并对其进行定性、定量分析及酶切分析。结果:采用本法可以去除多糖和其他次生代谢物并获得高质量的DNA。结论:该方法可以作为一种适于在实验室进行的林木树种基因组DNA的提取方法。     

Suitability of dried herbarium specimens for NMR metabolomics of mushrooms. A comparison of four species of the genera Kuehneromyces and Hypholoma (Strophariaceae)

Herbarium specimens are a treasure trove for biochemical studies. However, this implies understanding of the chemical changes during the drying and storage of the specimen. We compared herbarium specimens at different ages and fresh samples of four mushroom species (Kuehneromyces mutabilis, Hypholoma capnoides, Kuehneromyces lignicola, Hypholoma fasciculare) of two genera in the family Strophariaceae by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA). 25 metabolites were identified. No significant alterations were found between herbarium samples at different ages, suggesting that they are stable enough for comparative studies. The most dominant differences between fresh and herbarium samples was that sugars such as α-α-trehalose, and fumaric and malic acids were more abundant in fresh fungi. Total contents of fatty and amino acids, uracil and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were higher in herbarium specimens. In addition, pyroglutamic acid was observed only in Kuehneromyces mutabilis and fasciculic acid E in Hypholomafasciculare. Hence, based on results of the studied taxa, we conclude that NMR metabolomics can be used for both fresh and dried mushrooms when such alterations are properly addressed.     

Searching for DNA in museum specimens: a comparison of sources in a mammal species

The number of genetic studies that use preserved specimens as sources of DNA has been steadily increasing during the last few years. Therefore, selecting the sources that are more likely to provide a suitable amount of DNA of enough quality to be amplified and at the minimum cost to the original specimen is an important step for future research. We have compared different types of tissue (hides vs. bones) from museum specimens of Iberian lynx and multiple alternative sources within each type (skin, footpad, footpad powder, claw, diaphysis, maxilloturbinal bone, mastoid process and canine) for DNA yield and probability of amplification of both mitochondrial and nuclear targets. Our results show that bone samples yield more and better DNA than hides, particularly from sources from skull, such as mastoid process and canines. However, claws offer an amplification success as high as bone sources, which makes them the preferred DNA source when no skeletal pieces have been preserved. Most importantly, these recommended sources can be sampled incurring minimal damage to the specimens while amplifying at a high success rate for both mitochondrial and microsatellite markers.     

CTAB法提取中草药材滇紫草细胞的总RNA

介绍一种适合富含次生产物的中草药材滇紫草细胞总RNA的提取方法——CTAB法。采用CTAB作为去污剂,分别用氨仿和水饱和酚反复抽提以及LiCl沉淀以去除蛋白质、碳水化合物和次生代谢物等杂质,最后用纯乙醇沉淀获得RNA。该方法不但能获得完整性好和纯度高的总RNA,而且操作简单、快速、成本低廉,对其它富含次生物质的植物特别是中草药材组织总RNA的提取具有借鉴意义。     

Mini-prep method suitable for a plant breeding program

Plant breeders need a nondestructive and inexpensive protocol to screen large numbers of plants early after sowing. Isolation of DNA represents one of the limiting steps in this process: normally a person is capable of isolating 25 to 50 samples per day. To speed up the isolation of DNA in marker-assisted plant breeding programs, a CTAB mini-prep was modified into an inexpensive and nondestructive procedure. With this protocol a single individual can isolate 200 to 250 samples per day of high-quality DNA that is immediately suitable for testing by PCR. The amounts of DNA isolated are sufficient for about 150 PCR amplifications. These improvements are achieved by eliminating time-consuming and noncritical steps in the standard protocol, such as extensive grinding, washing with ethanol, and treatment with RNAse A.     

利用CTAB法和子囊孢子破壁法提取冬虫夏草菌DNA

通过CTAB法从冬虫夏草菌株和天然冬虫夏草不同部位提取DNA,并用PCR扩增进行验证,证明了CTAB法适合从冬虫夏草子座、菌核和冬虫夏草菌培养物中提取DNA。首次报道1种将子囊孢子破壁直接进行PCR扩增的方法,并比较了该方法和CTAB法在提取冬虫夏草DNA方面的差异。2种方法获得的DNA用于PCR扩增均能得到较好的结果。     

Purification of total cellular DNA from a single plant

A procedure is outlined for purifying DNA from a single plant. A crude organelle pellet consisting of nuclei, chromatin, chloroplasts, and mitochondria is prepared, suspended, and immediately lysed with detergents. The DNA is separated from RNA, protein, and polysaccharides by banding it in CsCl density equilibrium gradients. Ethidium bromide is included in all buffers to act as an inhibitor of DNAase activity. The DNA prepared in this manner can be digested with restriction endonucleases, separated by gel electrophoresis, and used to identify specific genes by hybridization of cloned DNA sequences.These experiments were supported by Grant DEB79-2298 from the National Science Foundation and Grant 59-2133-0-1-489-0 from the USDA Competitive Research Grants Program.     

一种快速微量提取植物叶片DNA的方法

介绍了一种快速提取微量DNA的方法。该方法简单易行,无需任何特殊设备,所需样品量少。提取的DNA纯度高,D260nm/D280nm在1．9-2．1之间,可满足RAPD、SSR、转基因植株的PCR检测等以PCR扩增为基础的实验需要。     

Achieving Target 2 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation: building a preliminary assessment of vascular plant species using data from herbarium specimens

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation calls for a preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species by the year 2010. To date insufficient progress has been made on meeting this target. New efforts to develop a preliminary list beyond using the full IUCN criteria in plant assessments are needed. Here we present an algorithm that provides a preliminary assessment of the conservation status of plant species using data from herbarium specimens. We use Hawaiian specimen data from the United States National Herbarium to calibrate the parameters of the algorithm and then use specimen data from the Arecaceae, Commelinaceae, Gesneriaceae and Heliconiaceae as examples of the application of the algorithm. The algorithm was calibrated to insure 95% accuracy in placing the Hawaiian plant species into previously and independently determined threatened categories. Our results indicate that 28% of the Hawaiian taxa, 27% of the species of Arecaceae, 45% of the species of Commelinaceae, 32% of the species of Gesneriaceae, and 35% of the species of Heliconiaceae are Not Threatened and will not need any further evaluation for the preliminary assessment. Species identified here as Potentially Extinct and Potentially Threatened can be further assessed by additional herbarium material and/or conservation specialists for final evaluation using other assessment strategies (e.g., regional and national lists, taxonomic expert assessment, etc.).