What is it about?
Scientists often store blood samples on special chemically-treated paper cards that preserve DNA for years without refrigeration. However, existing methods for extracting DNA from these cards do not work well for modern genetic analysis techniques. We developed a new, simple extraction method that recovers high-quality DNA from dried blood samples, even after they've been stored at room temperature for over a decade. Our method works 14 times better than current approaches and, importantly, preserves chemical markers on DNA called methylation marks that are crucial for understanding how genes are turned on and off.
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Why is it important?
This breakthrough allows us to conduct advanced genetic studies using samples that have been stored for years on simple paper cards, without needing expensive freezer storage. This is particularly valuable for research in remote locations where laboratory facilities are unavailable, and for studying historical samples that were collected and stored on these cards years ago. Our method opens up new possibilities for genetic studies on wildlife and in medicine in settings with limited resources, potentially reducing research costs while expanding opportunities for scientific discovery.
Perspectives
This project started from a frustrating practical problem - we had these valuable samples stored on FTA cards, but couldn't get good enough DNA for the advanced analyses we wanted to do. Now that we have a working protocol, I am excited to see how it opens new possibilities for the treasure trove of samples collected and stored on these cards to answer questions about genetic changes over time, population dynamics, or environmental impacts using samples that were collected years or even decades ago. And surprisingly, no expensive equipment or storage is required.
Livia Gerber
CSIRO
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Stable preservation and recovery of methylation marks from FTA elute cards in species with nucleated red blood cells using a customized DNA extraction method, PLOS One, July 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329019.
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