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Lessons from leeches: a call for DNA barcoding in the lab.

Alexandra E Bely1, David A Weisblat

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. abely@umd.edu

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Genetic analysis of Helobdella leeches reveals five distinct species, not one, impacting developmental biology research. Researchers must use molecular barcoding to identify genetic variation in wild-collected specimens.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary developmental biology
  • Molecular phylogenetics
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Evolution of development (Evo-Devo) labs often use wild-collected organisms.
  • Genetic variation in field collections can introduce experimental variability.
  • Leeches of the genus Helobdella are widely used in annelid developmental biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the genetic distinctness of Helobdella laboratory cultures and their source field populations.
  • To identify cryptic species and genetic variation within commonly used Helobdella isolates.
  • To provide a molecular basis for understanding genetic diversity in Helobdella research.

Main Methods:

  • Specimen collection from laboratory cultures and field sites.
  • Sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences to determine genetic divergence.

Main Results:

  • Helobdella research has utilized five distinct species from two major clades.
  • Morphologically similar isolates previously identified as H. robusta comprise three distinct species.
  • Identified cryptic species, a species complex (H. triserialis complex), and an invasive species (H. europaea).

Conclusions:

  • The Helobdella research community has inadvertently worked with multiple species.
  • Genetic variation among wild-collected isolates can significantly impact research findings.
  • Voucher specimen preservation and molecular barcoding (e.g., COI sequencing) are crucial for accurate research.