The ancient and environmental DNA Lab (aeDNA Lab)

Analysis of ancient and environmental DNA (aeDNA) is a rapidly expanding scientific field, opening up exciting new possibilities to address paleoenvironmental, ecological and evolutionary research questions. The aeDNA-based studies require a DNA-free working environment to eliminate false signals from modern DNA contamination. The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) established an aeDNA lab at Umeå University in 2018.

Inside the operational Lab of the aeDNA Lab facility

ImageDoreen Yu-Tuan Huang

Lab information

• The lab consists of a shower room, 1st preparation room, 2nd preparation room (here you change to clean suit, mask, etc.), and the operation lab.
• The operation lab has positive air pressure, accompanied by a HEPA air filter system at 40 l/s.
• Both the preparation room and the operation lab have UV sterilization systems and alarms installed.
• The a/eDNA lab provides the space for DNA extraction and pre-PCR preparations. The lab contains a -20°C freezer, a 4°C fridge, a droplet generator (for droplet digital PCR only), a centrifuge for Eppendorf tubes, an UV crosslinker, an oven with rotators, a biological hood, a notebook computer, shelves, and working benches.

Tasks that can be performed in the lab

• DNA extraction from paleo- and environmental samples
• aeDNA storage
• Pre-DNA amplification (PCR) preparations
• Droplets generation for droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for DNA quantification
• Total DNA/RNA quantification using Fluorometer (Qubit)
• Library preparation for metagenomics

Organisation

Steering board

Xiao-Ru Wang Professor

Email

+46 90 786 99 55

Jonatan Klaminder Professor

Email

+46 90 786 95 54

Christian Bigler Associate professor

Email

+46 90 786 97 29

Management

Xiao-Ru Wang Professor

Email

+46 90 786 99 55

Doreen Yu-Tuan Huang Postdoctoral fellow

Email

+46 90 786 54 75