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Tyszka AS, Larson DA, Walker JF. Sequencing historical RNA: unrealized potential to increase understanding of the plant tree of life. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024:S1360-1385(24)00305-4. [PMID: 39613559 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/01/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that it is a misconception that transcriptome sequencing requires tissue preserved at ultracold temperatures. Here, we outline the potential origins of this misconception and its possible role in biasing the geographic distribution of published plant transcriptomes. We highlight the importance of ensuring diverse sampling by providing an overview of the questions that transcriptomes can answer about the forces shaping the plant tree of life. We discuss how broadening transcriptome sequencing to include existing specimens will allow the field to grow and more fully utilize biological collections. We hope this article encourages the expansion of the current trend in 'herbariomics' research to include whole-transcriptome sequencing of historical RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa S Tyszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Drew A Larson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Joseph F Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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Keene AH, Stenglein MD. Sequencing RNA from old, dried specimens reveals past viromes and properties of long-surviving RNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.10.03.616531. [PMID: 39484481 PMCID: PMC11526869 DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.03.616531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
Recovery of virus sequences from old samples provides an opportunity to study virus evolution and reconstruct historic virus-host interactions. Studies of old virus sequences have mainly relied on DNA or on RNA from fixed or frozen samples. The millions of specimens in natural history museums represent a potential treasure trove of old virus sequences, but it is not clear how well RNA survives in old samples. We experimentally assessed the stability of RNA in insects stored dry at room temperature over 72 weeks. Although RNA molecules grew fragmented, RNA yields remained surprisingly constant. RT-qPCR of host and virus RNA showed minimal differences between dried and frozen specimens. To assess RNA survival in much older samples we acquired Drosophila specimens from North American entomological collections. We recovered sequences from known and novel viruses including several coding complete virus genomes from a fly collected in 1908. We found that the virome of D. melanogaster has changed little over the past century. Galbut virus, the most prevalent virus infection in contemporary D. melanogaster, was also the most common in historic samples. Finally, we investigated the genomic and physical features of surviving RNA. RNA that survived was fragmented, chemically damaged, and preferentially double stranded or contained in ribonucleoprotein complexes. This showed that RNA - especially certain types of RNA - can survive in biological specimens over extended periods in the absence of fixation or freezing and confirms the utility of dried specimens to provide a clearer understanding of virus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra H. Keene
- Center for Vector-Borne and Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Quantitative Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program
| | - Mark D. Stenglein
- Center for Vector-Borne and Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Friedländer MR, Gilbert MTP. How ancient RNA survives and what we can learn from it. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:417-418. [PMID: 38548931 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00726-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Friedländer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- University Museum, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.
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Ruiz-Vargas N, Ramanauskas K, Tyszka AS, Bretz EC, Yeo MTS, Mason-Gamer RJ, Walker JF. Transcriptome data from silica-preserved leaf tissue reveal gene flow patterns in a Caribbean bromeliad. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:459-472. [PMID: 38181407 PMCID: PMC11006539 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Transcriptome sequencing is a cost-effective approach that allows researchers to study a broad range of questions. However, to preserve RNA for transcriptome sequencing, tissue is often kept in special conditions, such as immediate ultracold freezing. Here, we demonstrate that RNA can be obtained from 6-month-old, field-collected samples stored in silica gel at room temperature. Using these transcriptomes, we explore the evolutionary relationships of the genus Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) in the Dominican Republic and infer barriers to gene flow. METHODS We extracted RNA from silica-dried leaf tissue from 19 Pitcairnia individuals collected across the Dominican Republic. We used a series of macro- and micro-evolutionary approaches to examine the relationships and patterns of gene flow among individuals. KEY RESULTS We produced high-quality transcriptomes from silica-dried material and demonstrated that evolutionary relationships on the island match geography more closely than species delimitation methods. A population genetic examination indicates that a combination of ecological and geographical features presents barriers to gene flow in Pitcairnia. CONCLUSIONS Transcriptomes can be obtained from silica-preserved tissue. The genetic diversity among Pitcairnia populations does not warrant classification as separate species, but the Dominican Republic contains several barriers to gene flow, notably the Cordillera Central mountain range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ruiz-Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Karolis Ramanauskas
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alexa S Tyszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Eric C Bretz
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - May T S Yeo
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR, UK
- Department of Genetics, Downing Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Roberta J Mason-Gamer
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Joseph F Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Andersson D, Kebede FT, Escobar M, Österlund T, Ståhlberg A. Principles of digital sequencing using unique molecular identifiers. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101253. [PMID: 38367531 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101253] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing technologies have long been used in both basic research and clinical routine. The recent introduction of digital sequencing has made previously challenging applications possible by significantly improving sensitivity and specificity to now allow detection of rare sequence variants, even at single molecule level. Digital sequencing utilizes unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) to minimize sequencing-induced errors and quantification biases. Here, we discuss the principles of UMIs and how they are used in digital sequencing. We outline the properties of different UMI types and the consequences of various UMI approaches in relation to experimental protocols and bioinformatics. Finally, we describe how digital sequencing can be applied in specific research fields, focusing on cancer management where it can be used in screening of asymptomatic individuals, diagnosis, treatment prediction, prognostication, monitoring treatment efficacy and early detection of treatment resistance as well as relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Firaol Tamiru Kebede
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mandy Escobar
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tobias Österlund
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Kim AS, Kreiner JM, Hernández F, Bock DG, Hodgins KA, Rieseberg LH. Temporal collections to study invasion biology. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:6729-6742. [PMID: 37873879 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17176] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions represent an extraordinary opportunity to study evolution. This is because accidental or deliberate species introductions have taken place for centuries across large geographical scales, frequently prompting rapid evolutionary transitions in invasive populations. Until recently, however, the utility of invasions as evolutionary experiments has been hampered by limited information on the makeup of populations that were part of earlier invasion stages. Now, developments in ancient and historical DNA technologies, as well as the quickening pace of digitization for millions of specimens that are housed in herbaria and museums globally, promise to help overcome this obstacle. In this review, we first introduce the types of temporal data that can be used to study invasions, highlighting the timescale captured by each approach and their respective limitations. We then discuss how ancient and historical specimens as well as data available from prior invasion studies can be used to answer questions on mechanisms of (mal)adaptation, rates of evolution, or community-level changes during invasions. By bridging the gap between contemporary and historical invasive populations, temporal data can help us connect pattern to process in invasion science. These data will become increasingly important if invasions are to achieve their full potential as experiments of evolution in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Kim
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julia M Kreiner
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fernando Hernández
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dan G Bock
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kathryn A Hodgins
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Loren H Rieseberg
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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