Natural history collections provide some of the deepest insight into the temporal dynamics of molecular and morphological evolution. Technological advances in DNA sequencing have allowed us to push the boundaries of what is considered suitable material for genomic analysis. Here I describe two new initiatives at the Australian National Wildlife Collection that investigate novel substrates for genomic analysis. Firstly, I will introduce a project focused on whole genome sequencing from formalin preserved specimens. I will explore the limitations of current technology and describe the novel triage methodology implemented to assess the likelihood of DNA extraction and subsequent sequencing success. Secondly I will introduce the Ovogenomics Project, focused on whole mitochondrial genome sequencing from modern avian eggshell collections. Avian eggshells are a bio-ceramic material, once thought to be devoid of DNA. However, maternal nuclei are incorporated into and sequestered within the shell. Here we utilise these unexpectedly optimal preservation conditions to sequence intra-crystalline DNA from Neognath eggshells. We also discuss the trade-off between collecting molecular data and destructive sampling of egg specimens. At ANWC alone, these two initiatives have mobilised over 40,000 new specimens for genomic analysis and have the potential to provide evolutionary insight over the 138 year collecting period.
Natural history collections provide some of the deepest insight into the temporal dynamics of molecular and morphological evolution. Technological advances in DNA sequencing have allowed us to push the boundaries of what is considered suitable material for genomic analysis. Here I describe two new initiatives at the Australian National Wildlife Collection that investigate novel substrates for genomic analysis. Firstly, I will introduce a project focused on whole genome sequencing from formalin preserved specimens. I will explore the limitations of current technology and describe the novel triage methodology implemented to assess the likelihood of DNA extraction and subsequent sequencing success. Secondly I will introduce the Ovogenomics Project, focused on whole mitochondrial genome sequencing from modern avian eggshell collections. Avian eggshells are a bio-ceramic material, once thought to be devoid of DNA. However, maternal nuclei are incorporated into and sequestered within the shell. Here we utilise these unexpectedly optimal preservation conditions to sequence intra-crystalline DNA from Neognath eggshells. We also discuss the trade-off between collecting molecular data and destructive sampling of egg specimens. At ANWC alone, these two initiatives have mobilised over 40,000 new specimens for genomic analysis and have the potential to provide evolutionary insight over the 138 year collecting period.
2B9 - Building 2 GSA2018_APCC6 GSACC62018@canberra.edu.au
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