Improved molecular kit-based workflow to unlock the genomic potential of historical coral type specimens

Historic and museum specimens' molecular data are of paramount importance to investigate the systematics and taxonomy of extant taxa. However, the recovery of informative and reliable DNA sequences from such specimens is often hampered by severe degradation. Existing alternative laboratory workflows that can improve DNA recovery from historical material are frequently time-consuming, not cost-effective, and technically demanding, limiting their accessibility to many research groups. This study aimed to present an improved, kit-based molecular workflow - with optimized troubleshooting steps - that uses widely available commercial kits for DNA extraction, secondary purification, and library preparation.

The workflow here presented enabled the recovery of between 41 and 2,431 nuclear ultraconserved elements (UCEs) from 14 coral type specimens collected between 1852 and 2006. In addition, partial 28S rDNA markers were recovered from all specimens, and 11 complete mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic placement of the samples using UCEs data, and ribosomal sequences comparison with publicly available databases demonstrated the reliability of the recovered genomic markers. This workflow provides an accessible, and cost-effective approach to unlock the molecular potential of museum specimens for a wider community of users.