Lake Sedimentary DNA Research on Past Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity: Overview and Recommendations
Éric Capo, Charline Giguet‐Covex, Alexandra Rouillard, Kevin Nota, Peter D. Heintzman, Aurèle Vuillemin, Daniel Arizteguí, Fabien Arnaud, Simon Belle, Stefan Bertilsson, Christian Bigler, Richard Bindler, Antony G. Brown, Charlotte Clarke, Sarah E. Crump, Didier Debroas, Göran Englund, Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Rebecca E. Garner, Joanna Gauthier, Irene Gregory‐Eaves, Liv Heinecke, Ulrike Herzschuh, Anan Ibrahim, Veljo Kisand, Kurt H. Kjær, Youri Lammers, Joanne E. Littlefair, Erwan Messager, Marie‐Ève Monchamp, Fredrik Olajos, William D. Orsi, Mikkel Winther Pedersen, Dilli P. Rijal, Johan Rydberg, Trisha Spanbauer, Kathleen R. Stoof‐Leichsenring, Pierre Taberlet, Liisi Talas, Camille Thomas, David A. Walsh, Yucheng Wang, Eske Willerslev, Anne van Woerkom, Heike Zimmermann, Marco J. L. Coolen, Laura S. Epp, Isabelle Domaizon, Inger Greve Alsos, Laura Parducci
Abstract
The use of lake sedimentary DNA to track the long-term changes in both terrestrial and aquatic biota is a rapidly advancing field in paleoecological research. Although largely applied nowadays, knowledge gaps remain in this field and there is therefore still research to be conducted to ensure the reliability of the sedimentary DNA signal. Building on the most recent literature and seven original case studies, we synthesize the state-of-the-art analytical procedures for effective sampling, extraction, amplification, quantification and/or generation of DNA inventories from sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) via high-throughput sequencing technologies. We provide recommendations based on current knowledge and best practises.