A methodology for the determination of zoological collection specimens on the basis of DNA analysis and the management of zoological tissue samples collection

The basic objective of the project is to design and introduce a uniform methodology for identifying collection materials (i.e. determining specimens into a biological species or subspecies) on the basis of reading short DNA sequences (so-called DNA barcoding), which will improve the possibilities of determination of collection specimens and contribute to an increased value of this type of cultural heritage. The focus is on finding ideal candidates of genetic markers across the whole Animalia. However, special attention is paid to species occurring on the territory of the Czech Republic, since they represent the most important and culturally most valuable part of local collections.
As part of the project, a tissue samples collection shall be created, keeping samples of genetic materials. The methodical rules for tissue sampling from various types of zoological specimens shall be defined in order to maximise the yield of DNA extraction and to minimise the invasive aspects of the sampling. The significance of the proposed systematic procedures for the evaluation of zoological collections is undoubtable because they will be applied for the determination of fragmented or damaged materials, materials of unknown origins, or immature developmental stages lacking determination characteristics in all institutions with zoological collections throughout the Czech Republic (local museums, zoos, private collections). The elaboration of a methodology for tissue and DNA sequence sampling from materials of zoological collections will improve the protection and preservation of values of this important constituent of the Czech cultural heritage and increase the scientific potential of institutions with collection activities.

Project name: A methodology for the determination of zoological collection specimens on the basis of DNA analysis and the management of zoological tissue samples collection
Code: DG16P02B038
Duration: 2016–2019
Agency: NAKI (Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic)
Project type: NM as the principal investigator
NM’s investigator: RNDr. Petr Dolejš, Ph.D.

Anticipated results/outputs:
The main outputs will be the elaboration of a certified methodology for tissue sampling, the management of collections of a similar character (documentation, conservation), and rules for handling tissue samples. The second main output will be the organisation of an exhibition, including a critical catalogue, which will introduce to the general public modern genetic approaches in biology and forensics. Secondary outputs will include specialist articles published in peer-reviewed journals, summarising partial results of the project.