An invited methods chapter on reproducible reference standards for species identification.
Citation. Gwiazdowski, R. A. Principles for Constructing DNA Barcode Reference Libraries. In R. DeSalle (Ed.) DNA Barcoding Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology Series, Springer Protocols. Humana Press. ISBN 978-1-0716-3580-3. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3581-0
The Question. DNA barcodes — standardized DNA sections used to identify species — depend on reference libraries, but reproducible standards for those libraries don’t exist. How do you build a reference set other researchers can trace, audit, and build on?
ABC’s Contribution. Authored the invited chapter articulating principles and methods for building DNA barcode libraries linked to well-curated voucher specimens. The framework is scalable from single-marker barcodes to whole-genome reference sets and works across database frameworks.
Findings. The proposed curatorial workflow addresses traceability, reproducibility, and scalability across database frameworks using just DNA barcodes, or entire genomes.
For Projects Like This. ABC contributes methods work to reference libraries, eDNA programs, and other genetic identification efforts. We’re a good first call to apply systems-thinking for applied problems.