Ethanol as a potential mosquito sample storage medium for RNA preservation [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]
Mirsha G. Torres,
Allison M. Weakley,
James D. Hibbert,
Oscar D. Kirstein,
Gregory C. Lanzaro,
Yoosook Lee
Affiliations
Mirsha G. Torres
Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
Allison M. Weakley
Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
James D. Hibbert
Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
Oscar D. Kirstein
Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
Gregory C. Lanzaro
Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
Yoosook Lee
Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
Sample storage for downstream RNA analysis can be challenging in some field settings, especially where access to cryogenic materials or refrigeration/freezer facilities are limited. This has limited RNA-based studies on African malaria vectors collected in the field. We evaluated RNA quality after storing mosquito samples in three different sample preservation media over a 4-week period. Storing mosquito specimens in cold (4°C) media significantly improved yields of intact RNA. Our results indicate commercially available products perform well in keeping RNA integrity as advertised. Moreover, absolute ethanol may be an economical alternative for sample preservation that can be utilized in some resource-limited settings.
