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Published on: July 28, 2018
Sperm contamination in archived and contemporary herring samples.
Danielle Mitchell1, Patrick McAllister, Kurt Stick
1School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195, USA, Fish Management Division, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 1100, La Conner, WA 98257, USA.
Molecular Ecology Resources
|May 19, 2011
Summary
DNA contamination from milt spillage can affect ancient fish studies. While modern samples were cleaned, historical scales remained contaminated, posing challenges for genetic analysis of archived fish populations.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenetics
- Ichthyology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Archived fish scales and otoliths are increasingly used for ancient DNA research.
- Methodological challenges persist in ancient DNA extraction and analysis.
- DNA contamination is a significant concern in genetic studies of historical samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA contamination in modern and historical Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) samples.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of pre-extraction wash treatments in removing contamination.
- To discuss the implications of contamination on the genetic analysis of archived fish populations.
Main Methods:
- Collection of modern fin clippings and historical scales from Pacific herring.
- Application of pre-extraction wash treatments to samples.
- DNA extraction and analysis to detect contamination.
- Comparison of contamination removal efficacy between modern and historical samples.
Main Results:
- DNA contamination was identified in both modern and historical Pacific herring samples.
- The likely source of contamination was milt spillage during sample collection.
- Pre-extraction wash treatments successfully removed contamination from modern fin clippings.
- No tested method effectively removed contamination from historical scales.
Conclusions:
- Milt spillage poses a significant risk of DNA contamination in fish sample collections.
- Historical scales are particularly susceptible to persistent contamination, hindering genetic analysis.
- Careful sample handling and robust decontamination protocols are crucial for reliable ancient DNA research.
