Data from: Preservation of RNA and DNA from mammal samples under field conditions

Ecological and conservation genetics require sampling of organisms in the
wild. Appropriate preservation of the collected samples, usually by
cryostorage, is key to the quality of the genetic data obtained.
Nevertheless, cryopreservation in the field to ensure RNA and DNA
stability is not always possible. We compared several nucleic acid
preservation solutions appropriate for field sampling and tested them on
rat (Rattus rattus) blood, ear and tail tip, liver, brain and muscle. We
compared the efficacy of a nucleic acid preservation (NAP) buffer for DNA
preservation against 95% ethanol and Longmire buffer, and for RNA
preservation against RNAlater (Qiagen) and Longmire buffer, under
simulated field conditions. For DNA, the NAP buffer was slightly better
than cryopreservation or 95% ethanol, but high molecular weight DNA was
preserved in all conditions. The NAP buffer preserved RNA as well as
RNAlater. Liver yielded the best RNA and DNA quantity and quality; thus,
liver should be the tissue preferentially collected from euthanized
animals. We also show that DNA persists in nonpreserved muscle tissue for
at least 1 week at ambient temperature, although degradation is noticeable
in a matter of hours. When cryopreservation is not possible, the NAP
buffer is an economical alternative for RNA preservation at ambient
temperature for at least 2 months and DNA preservation for at least 10
months.