A brand new strategy to gathering DNA permits scientists to seize genetic info from wildlife with out disturbing the animals or placing their security in danger. Examined on elephant dung, the protocol yielded sufficient DNA to sequence the entire genome of not solely elephants but in addition their related microbes, crops, parasites and different organisms — at a fraction of the price of present strategies.
The researchers report their findings within the journal Frontiers in genetics.
“We’ve mixed present methodologies in such a means that we will now use non-invasive samples to generate genome-wide knowledge,” he stated. Alida de Flaminga postdoctoral researcher on the College of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who led work with the U. of I. animal science professor Alfred Roca. “This enables us to evaluate wildlife populations with out having to throw, seize or immobilize the animals.”
Rocca stated gathering DNA from elephant dung is nothing new.
“Elephant poop samples have been used for many years to review elephant genome,” he stated. However this depends on very cumbersome strategies, typically involving chemical substances that may be harmful in some instances. The kits are large, troublesome to ship and should be refrigerated, which makes the entire course of very costly.”
De Flamingh examined a comparatively cheap different: utilizing postcard-sized knowledge assortment playing cards that had been processed to stop samples from deteriorating. Earlier analysis has proven that when samples are smeared onto cardstock, they are often saved for a number of months with out refrigeration.
The inspiration for the research got here from de Vlaming’s work with Yu. anthropologistProfessor and co-author of the research Rayban Malhiwhose lab focuses on historical DNA.
“Historical DNA could be problematic as a result of the samples degrade and will end in very low ranges of DNA for the goal species,” stated de Vlaming. Acquiring genomic knowledge from dung can equally be troublesome, with decrease concentrations of elephant DNA than is out there from blood samples. “I feel this is a wonderful alternative to check whether or not the identical methodologies could be utilized to non-invasive samples to generate the identical kind of information.”
The group first collected samples from the zoo’s elephants in experiments designed to find out how lengthy after defecation the droppings might yield relevant genomic knowledge. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Florida and the Dallas Zoo allowed the group to gather samples from African savannah elephants. The researchers retrieved the samples instantly after defecation and 24, 48 and 72 hours later.
Their assessments revealed that even a three-day-old dung produced sufficient DNA for genetic research of elephants.
The researchers then examined their strategy on samples collected from wild African savannah elephants. Examine collaborator and co-author Rudy Van Ardean emeritus professor of zoology and entomology on the College of Pretoria, South Africa, and colleagues used the playing cards to gather elephant dung samples after figuring out a geographically and ecologically numerous group of untamed areas throughout southern Africa.
By operating the sequence knowledge obtained from the playing cards by means of genetic databases, the group discovered a treasure trove of knowledge within the dung.
“I used to be shocked,” stated Roca. “I assumed we would get some elephant DNA from the playing cards, however I used to be pondering on the order of two%. Nevertheless, on common greater than 12% of elephant DNA has been attributed to.”
The researchers stated this was achieved with out utilizing laboratory strategies that focus on solely elephant DNA, which is an costly and time-consuming process. Consequently, every pattern supplied an infinite quantity of information in regards to the elephant, the microbial composition of its intestine, its habitat and its weight loss plan. Researchers have even found the DNA of butterflies and different arthropods that work together with dung after it’s deposited.
“It is actually useful to get an thought of every little thing there as a result of now you may ask questions, not nearly elephant genomes but in addition about issues like their well being and weight loss plan and whether or not there are pathogens or parasites,” de Flamming stated.
In the case of elephant genomes, Roca stated, the outcomes are just like these obtained with blood samples.
“You possibly can discover the interdependence of various elephant teams, the extent of genetic variety, the extent of inbreeding and the connection between elephants,” he stated. “And I’d say there are lots of the explanation why you would not wish to gather blood samples from wild elephants.”
“It is doable to do what you are able to do with blood, nevertheless it goes past that,” stated de Flaming. “Now you can do analyzes that you simply could not do earlier than with blood DNA, which solely gives details about the elephant genome.”