Evaluation of eight protocols for genomic DNA extraction of Hypostomus commersoni Valenciennes, 1836 (Loricariidae: Siluriformes)

Successful application of modified crude DNA extraction from muscle tissues for various types of PCR amplifications

BACKGROUND

One of the most challenging aspects of nucleic acid amplification tests is the extraction of genomic DNA. However, achieving satisfactory quality and quantity of genomic DNA is not always easy, while the demand for rapid, low-cost and less laborious DNA isolation methods is ever-increasing.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have developed a rapid (⁓2 min) crude DNA extraction method leading to direct-PCR that requires minimum reagents and laboratory equipment. It was developed by eliminating the time-consuming purification steps of DNA extraction, by processing the sample in optimized amounts of Taq KCl PCR buffer and DNARelease Additive/Proteinase K in only two minutes and carrying out amplification using conventional Taq DNA polymerase. The DNA preparation method was validated on muscle tissue samples from 12 different species as well as 48 cooked meat samples. Its compatibility was also successfully tested with different types of PCR amplification platforms extensively used for genetic analysis, such as simplex PCR, PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), multiplex PCR, isothermal amplification, real-time PCR and DNA sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed protocol provides sufficient amount of crude DNA from muscle tissues of different species for PCR amplifications to identify species-of-origin via different techniques coupled with PCR. The simplicity and robustness of this protocol make nucleic acid amplification assays more accessible and affordable to researchers and authorities for both laboratory and point-of-care tests.

An efficient, fast and inexpensive method for genomic DNA extraction of fish tissue

BACKGROUND

DNA extraction is an essential step for many genetic techniques like PCR and other molecular analyses. Based on the method of extraction and type of tissue used, the quality of extracted DNA for genetic studies varies. An appropriate extraction method is evaluated by the high concentration and purity of DNA. Thus, this study aimed to find a more efficient and effective method of DNA extraction from fish tissues and compare it to commercially available kits.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 200 fish tissue samples were extracted using each method and then validated with restriction enzymes and PCR amplification. The result revealed that the mean quantity of the isolated genomic DNA, when measured by Nanodrop for grass and common carp, was estimated at (624.41 ± 34.51) µg/ml and (651.27 ± 46.31) µg/ml, respectively, and the purity of this DNA was about (1.83 ± 0.04) and (1.88 ± 0.03) respectively, as compared to commercial extraction kits. Furthermore, gel electrophoresis was performed on the PCR-ready DNA, and the results were confirmed with restriction enzymes and PCR amplification. Based on results obtained from restriction enzymes and PCR analysis, it was determined that no significant inhibitors existed for the enzymes that were used in molecular biology reactions.

CONCLUSION

As a result, this technique provides an efficient and versatile alternative to the traditional method for obtaining bulk amounts of highly qualified DNA from fish tissue and can be easily used for subsequent analyses such as PCR and several molecular experiments on other fish species.

DNA-based molecular identification of Urnula mediterranea (Ascomycota, Pezizales) collected in Central Serbia

Molecular systematics is a branch of systematics that analyzes genetic markers for the classification of organisms. Genetic markers include target sequences of molecules DNA, RNA, and amino acids. The most often used genetic markers are DNA markers, localized on DNA molecules. The study aim was DNA-based molecular identification of species Urnula mediterranea (M. Carbone, Agnello & Baglivo) M. Carbone, Agnello & P. Alvarado (2013), by using molecular systematics methods. This species was recently discovered for the first time in Central Serbia and determined only based on morphological characteristics. For the first time, U. mediterranea sampled in Serbia, was identified with DNA molecular markers. Extraction of DNA molecules was performed from the fruiting body of U. mediterranea. ITS region and the part of the gene for 28S rRNA were amplified and sequenced by the Sanger method. Comparing the analyzed sequences with the sequences from the database, a match of 99.72% was found for the ITS region and 100% for the part of the gene for 28S rRNA. By molecular identification, it has been established that the sample belongs to the species U. mediterranea. Both analyzed DNA sequences of U. mediterranea were deposited into the NCBI database.