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From promise to practice: pairing non-invasive sampling with genomics in conservation.

ABSTRACT: Conservation genomics has become an increasingly popular term, yet it remains unclear whether the non-invasive sampling that is essential for many conservation-related studies is compatible with the minimum requirements for harnessing next-generation sequencing technologies. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of using genotyping-by-sequencing of non-invasively collected hair samples to simultaneously identify and genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a climate-sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). We identified and genotyped 3,803 high-confidence SNPs across eight sites distributed along two elevational transects using starting DNA amounts as low as 1 ng. Fifty-five outlier loci were detected as candidate gene regions under divergent selection, constituting potential targets for future validation. Genome-wide estimates of gene diversity significantly and positively correlated with elevation across both transects, with all low elevation sites exhibiting significant heterozygote deficit likely due to inbreeding. More broadly, our results highlight a range of issues that must be considered when pairing genomic data collection with non-invasive sampling, particularly related to field sampling protocols for minimizing exogenous DNA, data collection strategies and quality control steps for enhancing target organism yield, and analytical approaches for maximizing cost-effectiveness and information content of recovered genomic data.

SUBMITTER: Russello MA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4517967 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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From promise to practice: pairing non-invasive sampling with genomics in conservation.

Russello Michael A MA Waterhouse Matthew D MD Etter Paul D PD Johnson Eric A EA

PeerJ 20150721

Conservation genomics has become an increasingly popular term, yet it remains unclear whether the non-invasive sampling that is essential for many conservation-related studies is compatible with the minimum requirements for harnessing next-generation sequencing technologies. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of using genotyping-by-sequencing of non-invasively collected hair samples to simultaneously identify and genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a climate-sensitive mammal, the ...[more]

PMID: 26244114

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Project description:We looked for the presence of prostatic cells and RNAs (cellular and acellular) of prostatic origin in the ejaculate semen from fertile and sterilized men and from men with prostate cancer, to ascertain the suitability of ejaculate semen for studying and monitoring prostate health. Methods. For prostatic cells, semen from fertile and sterile men and men with prostate cancer were subjected to density gradient centrifugation on a 60% cushion of Suprasperm™ and fractions containing somatic cells were washed and cytospun onto coated slides prior to fixation and immunocytochemistry with antibodies recognizing prostatic markers. Small RNAs were isolated from liquefied semen clarified of all cellular and other insoluble material by high-speed ultra-centrifugation. Sequencing libraries were prepared from fractions isolated by PAGE, corresponding to small non-coding (snc) RNAs in the 18-23 nt and 30-35 nt size ranges. Libraries were interrogated by next generation sequencing and analysed to generate lists of differentially expressed RNAs associated with cancer and sterility. Results. Cells positive for cytokeratin 18, PSMA, NKX3.1 and CD24 were observed in most ejaculate samples by indirect immunocytochemistry as either discrete cellular entities or within clumps of cell containing material (DAPI+; antigen positive and negative) and cytoplasmic fragments (DAP–; antigen positive and negative). RNA from populations of cells enriched by differential density gradient centrifugation supported their immunocytochemical designation as prostatic cells. Small RNAs (18 - 43 nt) from seminal plasma were highly heterogeneous although tRNAs and 5SRNAs were the dominant forms. A degree of overlap between the respective differential expression profiles of small RNAs from sterile and cancer samples, suggested a common feature, perhaps indicating an inflammatory response. Conclusion. This study supports a wider appraisal of ejaculate semen for studying and monitoring prostate health.

Project description:BackgroundNon-invasive sampling through faecal collection is one of the most cost-effective alternatives for monitoring of free-living wild mammals, as it provides information on animal taxonomy as well as the dynamics of the gastrointestinal parasites that potentially infect these animals. In this context, this study aimed to perform an epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites using non-invasive faecal samples from carnivores and artiodactyls identified by stool macroscopy, guard hair morphology and DNA sequencing in Itatiaia National Park. Between 2017 and 2018, faeces from carnivores and artiodactyls were collected along trails in the park. The host species were identified through macroscopic and trichological examinations and molecular biology. To investigate the parasites, the Faust, Lutz and modified Ritchie and Sheather techniques and enzyme immunoassays to detect Cryptosporidium sp. antigens were used.ResultsA total of 244 stool samples were collected. The species identified were Chrysocyon brachyurus, Leopardus guttulus, Canis familiaris, Cerdocyon thous, Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis, Puma concolor and Sus scrofa. There were 81.1% samples that were positive for parasites distributed mainly in the high part of the park. Helminths, especially eggs of the family Ascarididae, were more frequently detected in carnivore faeces (70.9%). Protozoa, especially Cryptosporidium sp., represented the highest frequency of infection in artiodactyl faeces (87.1%). This zoonotic protozoon was detected in eight mammalian species, including in a wild boar. High values of structural richness and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were observed for the parasites, especially in the faeces of C. brachyurus. Significant differences in parasite diversity were observed between wild and domestic animals, such as C. brachyurus and C. familiaris, respectively, and between taxonomically distant species, such as C. brachyurus and S. scrofa. The highest values for parasite similarity were found among the species that frequented similar areas of the park, such as C. brachyurus and L. guttulus.ConclusionsThe animals and parasite infections were identified through the combination of three techniques. High frequency parasite structures were diagnosed. Zoonotic protozoa were found and mainly occurred in samples from introduced species.

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From promise to practice: pairing non-invasive sampling with genomics in conservation.

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From promise to practice: pairing non-invasive sampling with genomics in conservation.

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