PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers

The world's largest Podocarpaceae collection in Bochum

2013-12-02
(Press-News.org) Contact information: Dr. Christian Schulz
Christian.Schulz-3@rub.de
49-234-322-5579
Ruhr-University Bochum
Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers The world's largest Podocarpaceae collection in Bochum

In the tropics and subtropics, many evergreen conifers are endangered. Biologists at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) have collected the world's largest Podocarpaceae collection. Together with colleagues from The New York Botanical Garden, they sequenced characteristic parts of the DNA of these conifers in order to generate a "DNA barcode" for each species. With the help of this genetic fingerprint, unknown individuals can be assigned to the respective Podocarpaceae species, which are often very similar in appearance. Thus, individuals of endangered populations can be identified more easily. The team reports in the journal "PLOS ONE".

Many Podocarpaceae are difficult or impossible to identify

"The distribution ranges of many Podocarpaceae are very small and often inhabited by only a few scattered individuals – unlike our native European conifer forests that cover large areas," says Dr Patrick Knopf from the RUB Department of Evolution and Biodiversity of Plants. "There are only about ten individuals left of one species native to Fiji." In order to protect the few rare representatives of the endangered species, it is necessary to identify the species first. "In case of Podocarpaceae, it is difficult or even impossible to identify them only by their appearance," explains the RUB biologist Dr Christian Schulz. "That's why we've launched the DNA barcoding project."

Propagating and exchanging of endangered species

The researchers from Bochum collected 320 individuals from 145 Podocarpaceae species on field trips to South America, South-East Asia, Australia, New Caledonia and Fiji. At the Botanical Garden's Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory, they worked with Garden scientist Dr. Damon Little to generate DNA barcodes for all of the individuals, which they subsequently provided on the online platform "GenBank". In addition, they created a living Podocarpaceae collection in the Botanic Garden of the Ruhr-Universität which promotes the protection of rare and endangered species. The Bochum team propagate the species and pass them on to other botanic gardens worldwide.

Relevance in the timber industry and cancer research

Podocarpaceae constitute the second-largest conifer family. They grow mainly in mountainous regions in the Southern hemisphere. The timber of many of the 198 species is of great economic interest because of its excellent insect and fungus resistance. Certain substances in their leaves, moreover, are playing an increasingly important role in cancer research. The Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) currently includes 27 Podocarpaceae species. In total, 86 species are endangered.



INFORMATION:

Bibliographic record

D.P. Little, P. Knopf, C. Schulz (2013): DNA barcode identification of Podocarpaceae – the second largest conifer family, PLOS ONE, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081008

Further information

Dr Christian Schulz, Department of Evolution and Biodiversity of Plants, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the Ruhr-Universität, 44780 Bochum, Germany, phone +49/234/32-25579, email: Christian.Schulz-3@rub.de

Dr Patrick Knopf, Department of Evolution and Biodiversity of Plants, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the Ruhr-Universität, 44780 Bochum, Germany, phone +49/234/32-28064, email: Patrick.Knopf@rub.de

One click away

Link to the original article

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0081008

Editor: Dr Julia Weiler



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

The heart's own stem cells play their part in regeneration

2013-12-02
The heart's own stem cells play their part in regeneration Sca1 stem cells replace steadily aging heart muscle cells This news release is available in German. Up until a few years ago, the common school of thought held that the mammalian heart ...

Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein

2013-12-02
Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein Researchers have identified a resistance protein that allows bacteria to survive chlorhexidine, a disinfectant commonly used in wipes, cleansers and mouthwashes in hospitals. A study led jointly ...

Snapshots differentiate molecules from their mirror image

2013-12-02
Snapshots differentiate molecules from their mirror image Max Planck researchers are able to reveal the spatial structure of chiral molecules This news release is available in German. Small difference, large effect: Most biological molecules ...

Junk food and poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease

2013-12-02
Junk food and poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease The association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease should make the reduction of sugars such as those contained in junk food, particularly fizzy drinks, an important ...

How a legless, leaping fish that lives on land avoids predators

2013-12-02
How a legless, leaping fish that lives on land avoids predators SYDNEY: One of the world's strangest animals – a legless, leaping fish that lives on land - uses camouflage to avoid attacks by predators such as birds, lizards and crabs, new research ...

Telescope to track space junk using youth radio station

2013-12-02
Telescope to track space junk using youth radio station Inaugural results reveal enormous potential of SKA precursor A combination of pop songs, talkback radio and cutting-edge science has enabled Australian astronomers to identify ...

Mild hypothermia as a treatment for CNS injuries: Positive or negative effects?

2013-12-02
Mild hypothermia as a treatment for CNS injuries: Positive or negative effects? There are few data on the effectiveness and mechanism underlying mild hypothermia in the treatment of central nervous system injuries. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the potentially ...

Treatment of malignant glioma using hyperthermia

2013-12-02
Treatment of malignant glioma using hyperthermia Malignant glioma is very sensitive to heat. Prof. Yunlong Ge and team from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China used a brain tumor hyperthermia apparatus to treat malignant glioma patients, ...

Valproic acid promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion

2013-12-02
Valproic acid promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion Brachial plexus root avulsion is the most serious type of peripheral nerve injury. Valproic acid has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and promote neurite outgrowth in several ...

Joint EORTC-ESTRO session to focus on current developments in soft tissue sarcoma treatment

2013-12-02
Joint EORTC-ESTRO session to focus on current developments in soft tissue sarcoma treatment The EORTC will host a joint session with ESTRO at ESTRO 33 focusing on current developments in soft tissue sarcoma treatment. It will take place from 14:30– ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Revolutionary scandium doping technique extends sodium-ion battery life

High-fat diet impairs memory formation by reducing autophagy

Keck Hospital of USC named a Vizient Top Performer for third year in a row

New CRISPR test could make tuberculosis screening as simple as a mouth swab

Three-sensor overeating detection could reshape obesity treatment

Study provides first evidence that plastic nanoparticles can accumulate in the edible parts of vegetables

AI predicts complications from surgery better than doctors

New personalized risk score could improve ovarian cancer detection

People on Ozempic who eat to regulate emotions less likely to lose weight

AACR Cancer Progress Report highlights lifesaving impact of federal investments in cancer research

Indra's internet

Lymph nodes found to be key to successful cancer immunotherapy

Room-temperature terahertz device opens door to 6G networks

A hard look at geoengineering reveals global risks

When smoke signals danger: How Australian lizards evolved to escape fire

Beyond the surface: Atopic eczema linked to significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts, major study finds

After weight loss regular exercise rather than GLP-1 weight-loss drug reduces leading cause of heart attack and strokes

EASD launches its first ever clinical practice guideline – the world’s first to focus on diabetes distress

Semaglutide provides powerful protection against diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, Greek study suggests

Orforglipron taken orally once daily leads to significant body weight loss (ATTAIN-1 Study)

U of I researchers trace genetic code’s origins to early protein structures

Disease experts team up with Florida Museum of Natural History to create a forecast for West Nile virus

Researchers: Targeted efforts needed to stem fentanyl crisis

New UMaine research could help lower prescription drug costs

Molecular movie shows how mitochondria read their DNA

Loss of key male fertility gene leads to changes in expression of hundreds of other genes

Water’s density is key to sustainable lithium mining

Pioneering research reveals problem gambling quadruples the risk of suicide among young people four years later

New method improves the accuracy of machine-learned potentials for simulating catalysts

Astronomers discover rare Einstein cross with fifth image, revealing hidden dark matter

[Press-News.org] Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers
The world's largest Podocarpaceae collection in Bochum