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Green ME, Hardesty BD, Deagle BE, Wilcox C. Environmental DNA as a tool to reconstruct catch composition for longline fisheries vessels. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10188. [PMID: 38702492 PMCID: PMC11068744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60917-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Global wild-capture fisheries are a large and diverse sector requiring various tools for fisheries-dependant data collection and effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Here we present a novel protocol to collect eDNA from brine tanks onboard commercial longline vessels to reconstruct catch composition. We collected samples from nine vessels operating out of the Eastern Tuna Billfish Fishery, Australia, validating eDNA results with reliable catch data consisting of seven target and bycatch species. Environmental DNA was highly effective for detecting species retained on vessels without contamination or false positives. For four vessels, logbook data and eDNA were consistent with detections of all species. The remaining vessels detected all species except for rare catches of short-billed spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris). Similarities between rank abundance distributions of catch and eDNA reads were observed with logbook data mirrored when eDNA sequences were organised into rank order abundance. The method was effective at identifying highly abundant taxa retained in brine tanks- tuna (Thunnus spp.), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), marlin (Kajijia audax), and Atlantic Pomfret (Brama brama). Further research is required to validate how eDNA and other molecular monitoring tools can be scaled and applied to provide solutions for monitoring challenges in the fisheries sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Green
- Institute for Marine and Antactic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - B D Hardesty
- CSIRO Environment, Castray Esplanade, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - B E Deagle
- CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection, Castray Esplanade, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - C Wilcox
- Wilco Analytics, 93 Carlton Beach Road, Dodges Ferry, TAS, 7173, Australia
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2
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Wang S, Song H, Wang T, Xue H, Fei Y, Xiong X. Recent advancements with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in assessment of the species authenticity with meat and seafood products. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38494899 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2329979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Species adulteration or mislabeling with meat and seafood products could negatively affect the fair trade, wildlife conservation, food safety, religion aspect, and even the public health. While PCR-based methods remain the gold standard for assessment of the species authenticity, there is an urgent need for alternative testing platforms that are rapid, accurate, simple, and portable. Owing to its ease of use, low cost, and rapidity, LAMP is becoming increasingly used method in food analysis for detecting species adulteration or mislabeling. In this review, we outline how the features of LAMP have been leveraged for species authentication test with meat and seafood products. Meanwhile, as the trend of LAMP detection is simple, rapid and instrument-free, it is of great necessity to carry out end-point visual detection, and the principles of various end-point colorimetry methods are also reviewed. Moreover, with the aim to enhance the LAMP reaction, different strategies are summarized to either suppress the nonspecific amplification, or to avoid the results of nonspecific amplification. Finally, microfluidic chip is a promising point-of-care method, which has been the subject of a great deal of research directed toward the development of microfluidic platforms-based LAMP systems for the species authenticity with meat and seafood products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Wang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Song
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianlong Wang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanyue Xue
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanjin Fei
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Xue H, Cao M, Wang S, Fei Y, Xiong X, Yang Y. Visual and rapid detection of escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum) using loop mediated isothermal amplification in conjunction with a specific molecular beacon probe. Food Chem 2024; 432:137262. [PMID: 37643514 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Species adulteration has become a main reason for the unexpected exposure to escolar, which is often related with the gastrointestinal disease called keriorrhea. Sensitive and accurate identification of escolar is required to protect consumers from commercial and health frauds. The present study established a visual and rapid method for escolar detection using LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) in conjunction with a MB (molecular beacon) probe. The visual MB-LAMP assay demonstrated high specificity and superb sensitivity (1 pg DNA) for escolar and low to 0.1 % (w/w) simulated adulteration could be detected within 25 min. Additionally, method validation on commercial products highlighted the umbrella term of white tuna for escolar on Chinese market. All these results indicated that the MB-LAMP method is a useful tool for rapid, sensitive and convenient detection of escolar and can also be used as a point-of-care molecular diagnostic technique since it does not require the expensive equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyue Xue
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Min Cao
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Shihui Wang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Yanjin Fei
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Horticulture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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Selena Shen KL, Cheow JJ, Cheung AB, Koh RJR, Koh Xiao Mun A, Lee YN, Lim YZ, Namatame M, Peng E, Vintenbakh V, Lim EX, Wainwright BJ. DNA barcoding continues to identify endangered species of shark sold as food in a globally significant shark fin trade hub. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16647. [PMID: 38188178 PMCID: PMC10771092 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Shark fins are a delicacy consumed throughout Southeast Asia. The life history characteristics of sharks and the challenges associated with regulating fisheries and the fin trade make sharks particularly susceptible to overfishing. Here, we used DNA barcoding techniques to investigate the composition of the shark fin trade in Singapore, a globally significant trade hub. We collected 505 shark fin samples from 25 different local seafood and Traditional Chinese Medicine shops. From this, we identified 27 species of shark, three species are listed as Critically Endangered, four as Endangered and ten as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Six species are listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning that trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. All dried fins collected in this study were sold under the generic term "shark fin"; this vague labelling prevents accurate monitoring of the species involved in the trade, the effective implementation of policy and conservation strategy, and could unwittingly expose consumers to unsafe concentrations of toxic metals. The top five most frequently encountered species in this study are Rhizoprionodon acutus, Carcharhinus falciformis, Galeorhinus galeus, Sphyrna lewini and Sphyrna zygaena. Accurate labelling that indicates the species of shark that a fin came from, along with details of where it was caught, allows consumers to make an informed choice on the products they are consuming. Doing this could facilitate the avoidance of species that are endangered, and similarly the consumer can choose not to purchase species that are documented to contain elevated concentrations of toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin Jie Cheow
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Yun Ning Lee
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhen Lim
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maya Namatame
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eileen Peng
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Elisa X.Y. Lim
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin John Wainwright
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Smaoui S, Tarapoulouzi M, Agriopoulou S, D'Amore T, Varzakas T. Current State of Milk, Dairy Products, Meat and Meat Products, Eggs, Fish and Fishery Products Authentication and Chemometrics. Foods 2023; 12:4254. [PMID: 38231684 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Food fraud is a matter of major concern as many foods and beverages do not follow their labelling. Because of economic interests, as well as consumers' health protection, the related topics, food adulteration, counterfeiting, substitution and inaccurate labelling, have become top issues and priorities in food safety and quality. In addition, globalized and complex food supply chains have increased rapidly and contribute to a growing problem affecting local, regional and global food systems. Animal origin food products such as milk, dairy products, meat and meat products, eggs and fish and fishery products are included in the most commonly adulterated food items. In order to prevent unfair competition and protect the rights of consumers, it is vital to detect any kind of adulteration to them. Geographical origin, production methods and farming systems, species identification, processing treatments and the detection of adulterants are among the important authenticity problems for these foods. The existence of accurate and automated analytical techniques in combination with available chemometric tools provides reliable information about adulteration and fraud. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to present the advances made through recent studies in terms of the analytical techniques and chemometric approaches that have been developed to address the authenticity issues in animal origin food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology, and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Sfax 3029, Tunisia
| | - Maria Tarapoulouzi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia CY-1678, Cyprus
| | - Sofia Agriopoulou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, Antikalamos, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Teresa D'Amore
- IRCCS CROB, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Theodoros Varzakas
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, Antikalamos, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
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Identification of Fish Species and Targeted Genetic Modifications Based on DNA Analysis: State of the Art. Foods 2023; 12:foods12010228. [PMID: 36613444 PMCID: PMC9818732 DOI: 10.3390/foods12010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Food adulteration is one of the most serious problems regarding food safety and quality worldwide. Besides misleading consumers, it poses a considerable health risk associated with the potential non-labeled allergen content. Fish and fish products are one of the most expensive and widely traded commodities, which predisposes them to being adulterated. Among all fraud types, replacing high-quality or rare fish with a less valuable species predominates. Because fish differ in their allergen content, specifically the main one, parvalbumin, their replacement can endanger consumers. This underlines the need for reliable, robust control systems for fish species identification. Various methods may be used for the aforementioned purpose. DNA-based methods are favored due to the characteristics of the target molecule, DNA, which is heat resistant, and the fact that through its sequencing, several other traits, including the recognition of genetic modifications, can be determined. Thus, they are considered to be powerful tools for identifying cases of food fraud. In this review, the major DNA-based methods applicable for fish meat and product authentication and their commercial applications are discussed, the possibilities of detecting genetic modifications in fish are evaluated, and future trends are highlighted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and regularly updated online database resources.
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Frigerio J, Gorini T, Palumbo C, De Mattia F, Labra M, Mezzasalma V. A Fast and Simple DNA Mini-barcoding and RPA Assay Coupled with Lateral Flow Assay for Fresh and Canned Mackerel Authentication. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2023; 16:426-435. [PMID: 36530851 PMCID: PMC9734502 DOI: 10.1007/s12161-022-02429-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, food authentication is more and more required given its relevance in terms of quality and safety. The seafood market is heavily affected by mislabelling and fraudulent substitutions/adulterations, especially for processed food products such as canned food items, due to the loss of morphological features. This study aims to develop new assays based on DNA to identify fresh mackerel (Scomber spp.) and commercial products. A new primer pair was de novo designed on the 5S rRNA gene and non-transcribed spacer (NTS), identifying a DNA mini-barcoding region suitable for species identification of processed commercial products. Moreover, to offer a fast and low-cost analysis, a new assay based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was developed for the identification of fresh 'Sgombro' (Scomber scombrus) and 'Lanzardo o Occhione' (Scomber japonicus and Scomber colias), coupled with the lateral flow visualisation for the most expensive species (Scomber scombrus) identification. This innovative portable assay has great potential for supply chain traceability in the seafood market. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12161-022-02429-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Frigerio
- FEM2-Ambiente, Piazza Della Scienza 2, I-20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, FEM2-Ambiente, Piazza Della Scienza 2, I-20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Gorini
- FEM2-Ambiente, Piazza Della Scienza 2, I-20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Cassandra Palumbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, FEM2-Ambiente, Piazza Della Scienza 2, I-20126 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Labra
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, FEM2-Ambiente, Piazza Della Scienza 2, I-20126 Milan, Italy
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Xie R, Gao J, Li H, Yu W, Zhang J, Wang N, Chen A. Rapid detection of Arothron species by real-time fluorescence and colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. J Food Compost Anal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Xie R, Li H, Yu W, Wang N, Zhang J, Gao J, Chen A. Rapid identification of Takifugu genus using visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification. J Food Sci 2022; 87:867-877. [PMID: 35028941 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Some Takifugu species are commonly found in the coastal areas of China, Japan, Thailand, and Korea and cause pufferfish poisoning, which is toxic and even lethal to humans. From 2010 to 2015, there were 430 cases of pufferfish poisoning worldwide, resulting in 52 deaths. Identification of Takifugu species is imperative to reduce financial losses and ensure food safety. Here, visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was applied to identify Takifugu species. Conserved regions within the mitochondrial DNA among different Takifugu species were selected to design LAMP primers. In 55 min of amplification, sufficient DNA was obtained to observe the results with the naked eye, without the need for complicated instruments. The method was highly specific, with no cross-detection of 17 other fish species, namely, 7 Tetraodontiformes species and 10 commercially important fish. The method showed a detection limit of 0.1 ng Takifugu DNA and was successfully validated to detect Takifugu in cooked fish and the vomitus of poisoned patients. This rapid and visual LAMP method is a useful tool to prevent false labeling, protect consumer rights, and reduce the risk of pufferfish poisoning. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The loop-mediated isothermal amplification method established in this study can identify cooked or digested fish products containing 1% or more of Takifugu. Therefore, it can be used for the visual detection of Takifugu products and the medical diagnosis of Takifugu poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibin Xie
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Yu
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ailiang Chen
- Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Ip YCA, Chang JJM, Lim KKP, Jaafar Z, Wainwright BJ, Huang D. Seeing through sedimented waters: environmental DNA reduces the phantom diversity of sharks and rays in turbid marine habitats. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:166. [PMID: 34488638 PMCID: PMC8422768 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01895-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sharks and rays are some of the most threatened marine taxa due to the high levels of bycatch and significant demand for meat and fin-related products in many Asian communities. At least 25% of shark and ray species are considered to be threatened with extinction. In particular, the density of reef sharks in the Pacific has declined to 3-10% of pre-human levels. Elasmobranchs are thought to be sparse in highly urbanised and turbid environments. Low visibility coupled with the highly elusive behaviour of sharks and rays pose a challenge to diversity estimation and biomonitoring efforts as sightings are limited to chance encounters or from carcasses ensnared in nets. Here we utilised an eDNA metabarcoding approach to enhance the precision of elasmobranch diversity estimates in urbanised marine environments. RESULTS We applied eDNA metabarcoding on seawater samples to detect elasmobranch species in the hyper-urbanised waters off Singapore. Two genes-vertebrate 12S and elasmobranch COI-were targeted and amplicons subjected to Illumina high-throughput sequencing. With a total of 84 water samples collected from nine localities, we found 47 shark and ray molecular operational taxonomic units, of which 16 had species-level identities. When data were compared against historical collections and contemporary sightings, eDNA detected 14 locally known species as well as two potential new records. CONCLUSIONS Local elasmobranch richness uncovered by eDNA is greater than the seven species sighted over the last two decades, thereby reducing phantom diversity. Our findings demonstrate that eDNA metabarcoding is effective in detecting shark and ray species despite the challenges posed by the physical environment, granting a more consistent approach to monitor these highly elusive and threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Cheong Aden Ip
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
| | - Jia Jin Marc Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Kelvin K P Lim
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore, 117377, Singapore
| | - Zeehan Jaafar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Benjamin J Wainwright
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore, 138527, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119227, Singapore
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Zhang X, Armani A, Wen J, Giusti A, Zhao J, Li X. DNA barcoding for the identification of shark lips (鱼唇): A nationwide survey for analyzing a never investigated product in the Chinese market. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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13
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Wu HY, Chan KT, But GWC, Shaw PC. Assessing the reliability of medicinal Dendrobium sequences in GenBank for botanical species identification. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3439. [PMID: 33564041 PMCID: PMC7873228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82385-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-based method is a promising tool in species identification and is widely used in various fields. DNA barcoding method has already been included in different pharmacopoeias for identification of medicinal materials or botanicals. Accuracy and validity of DNA-based methods rely on the accuracy and taxonomic reliability of the DNA sequences in the database to be compared against. Here we evaluated the annotation quality and taxonomic reliability of selected barcode loci (rbcL, matK, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF and ITS) of 41 medicinal Dendrobium species downloaded from GenBank. Annotations of most accessions are incomplete. Only 53.06% of the 2041 accessions downloaded contain a reference to a voucher specimen. Only 31.60% and 4.8% of the entries are annotated with country of origin and collector or assessor, respectively. Taxonomic reliability of the sequences was evaluated by a Megablast search based on similarity to sequences submitted by other research groups. A small number of sequences (211, 7.14%) was regarded as highly doubted. Moreover, 10 out of 60 complete chloroplast genomes contain highly doubted sequences. Our findings suggest that sequences of GenBank should be used with caution for species-level identification. The scientific community should provide more important information regarding identity and traceability of the sample when they deposit sequences to public databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Yan Wu
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R&D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwun-Tin Chan
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R&D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Grace Wing-Chiu But
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pang-Chui Shaw
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R&D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) and Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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