DNA Bank Network
Four institutions with complementary collections and expertise form
the DNA Bank Network. The Network reflects the decentralized
distribution of natural history collections in Germany but aims at
reducing high infrastructure expenses. The Network conforms to the
prescribed structure of the
GBIF progamme in Germany (Global
Biodiversity Information Facility) network. All partner institutions are
experienced in safeguarding natural history collections. The
Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem (BGBM) is coordinating the network, here the
databases and Web portals are being designed, and botanic DNA
samples (plants, algae, protists) are being stored. The DNA bank
of the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology Munich (ZSM) focuses
on safeguarding DNA of invertebrates (I), lower deuterostomes
and fungi. The
Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig Bonn (ZFMK) covers all additional invertebrate groups (invertebrates II) and
vertebrates. The
German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell
Cultures Braunschweig (DSMZ) is specialized on DNA storage of
micro-organisms, cell lines, and plant viruses.
The DNA Bank Network aims to establish a technically
optimized DNA collection service facility for all biological
research. DNA samples of on-site research and of selected
natural history collections of the institutes will be
incorporated. Also, the network promotes deposition of well
documented DNA samples after project completion or data
publication from scientists of other universities and
institutions. In addition to DNA storage, scientists will be
given the opportunity to store tissue material. In this way,
material remaining from previous studies can be made available
to other researchers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Web portal and databases
The DNA bank databases of all network partner are decentrally
administered and accessible via a central Web portal, providing
DNA samples of complementary collections of wildlife organisms.
The design of the database system and shared Web portal
faciliates both access to DNA samples as well as to associated
specimen and DNA data. For documentation purposes, sources and
origins of vouchers are recorded, digital vouchers images for
online verification are provided, information of laboratory
methods, as well as the allocating scientist and links to
published sequences, are available.
Quality standards for documentation (including digitalization of
voucher specimens) and data standardization in an European and
international context are implemented.
|
DNA storage experiments
Knowledge about long term DNA storage is scarce. Therefore,
further research is being conducted to optimize the process of
DNA sample storage and access, which focuses on new and suitable
protective substances, storage at higher temperatures,
rehydration of lyophilized DNA, and the usage of special
cryotubes.
Alternative methods of tube labelling are tested for
identification, monitoring, and inventory; these methods include
various applications of barcoding.
A symposium about DNA long term storage will be organized in
autumn 2008 in Berlin to address progresses in safeguarding DNA. |
