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Main Authors: Norcia, Mariangela, Illiano, Alessia, Mussi, Barbara, Di Nocera, Fabio, Esposito, Emanuele, Di Cosmo, Anna, Fulgione, Domenico, Maselli, Valeria
Format: Artículo científico
Language:en
Published: International journal of molecular sciences 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40806645/
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author Norcia, Mariangela
Illiano, Alessia
Mussi, Barbara
Di Nocera, Fabio
Esposito, Emanuele
Di Cosmo, Anna
Fulgione, Domenico
Maselli, Valeria
author_facet Norcia, Mariangela
Illiano, Alessia
Mussi, Barbara
Di Nocera, Fabio
Esposito, Emanuele
Di Cosmo, Anna
Fulgione, Domenico
Maselli, Valeria
Norcia, Mariangela
Illiano, Alessia
Mussi, Barbara
Di Nocera, Fabio
Esposito, Emanuele
Di Cosmo, Anna
Fulgione, Domenico
Maselli, Valeria
collection PubMed - marine biology
contents When DNA Tells the Tale: High-Resolution Melting as a Forensic Tool for Mediterranean Cetacean Identification. Norcia, Mariangela Illiano, Alessia Mussi, Barbara Di Nocera, Fabio Esposito, Emanuele Di Cosmo, Anna Fulgione, Domenico Maselli, Valeria Animals Mediterranean Sea Cetacea DNA, Mitochondrial Cytochromes b Forensic Genetics Species Specificity Effective species identification is crucial for the conservation and management of marine mammals, particularly in regions such as the Mediterranean Sea, where several cetacean populations are endangered or vulnerable. In this study, we developed and validated a High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis protocol for the rapid, cost-effective, and reliable identification of the four representative marine cetacean species that occur in the Mediterranean Sea: the bottlenose dolphin (), the striped dolphin (), the sperm whale (), and the fin whale (). Species-specific primers targeting mitochondrial DNA regions (cytochrome b and D-loop) were designed to generate distinct melting profiles. The protocol was tested on both tissue and fecal samples, demonstrating high sensitivity, reproducibility, and discrimination power. The results confirmed the robustness of the method, with melting curve profiles clearly distinguishing the target species and achieving a success rate > 95% in identifying unknown samples. The use of HRM offers several advantages over traditional sequencing methods, including reduced cost, speed, portability, and suitability for degraded samples, such as those from the stranded individuals. This approach provides a valuable tool for non-invasive genetic surveys and real-time species monitoring, contributing to more effective conservation strategies for cetaceans and enforcement of regulations against illegal trade.
format Artículo científico
id pubmed_40806645
institution PubMed
language en
publishDate 2025
publisher International journal of molecular sciences
record_format pubmed
spellingShingle When DNA Tells the Tale: High-Resolution Melting as a Forensic Tool for Mediterranean Cetacean Identification.
Norcia, Mariangela
Illiano, Alessia
Mussi, Barbara
Di Nocera, Fabio
Esposito, Emanuele
Di Cosmo, Anna
Fulgione, Domenico
Maselli, Valeria
Animals
Mediterranean Sea
Cetacea
DNA, Mitochondrial
Cytochromes b
Forensic Genetics
Species Specificity
When DNA Tells the Tale: High-Resolution Melting as a Forensic Tool for Mediterranean Cetacean Identification. Norcia, Mariangela Illiano, Alessia Mussi, Barbara Di Nocera, Fabio Esposito, Emanuele Di Cosmo, Anna Fulgione, Domenico Maselli, Valeria Animals Mediterranean Sea Cetacea DNA, Mitochondrial Cytochromes b Forensic Genetics Species Specificity Effective species identification is crucial for the conservation and management of marine mammals, particularly in regions such as the Mediterranean Sea, where several cetacean populations are endangered or vulnerable. In this study, we developed and validated a High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis protocol for the rapid, cost-effective, and reliable identification of the four representative marine cetacean species that occur in the Mediterranean Sea: the bottlenose dolphin (), the striped dolphin (), the sperm whale (), and the fin whale (). Species-specific primers targeting mitochondrial DNA regions (cytochrome b and D-loop) were designed to generate distinct melting profiles. The protocol was tested on both tissue and fecal samples, demonstrating high sensitivity, reproducibility, and discrimination power. The results confirmed the robustness of the method, with melting curve profiles clearly distinguishing the target species and achieving a success rate > 95% in identifying unknown samples. The use of HRM offers several advantages over traditional sequencing methods, including reduced cost, speed, portability, and suitability for degraded samples, such as those from the stranded individuals. This approach provides a valuable tool for non-invasive genetic surveys and real-time species monitoring, contributing to more effective conservation strategies for cetaceans and enforcement of regulations against illegal trade.
title When DNA Tells the Tale: High-Resolution Melting as a Forensic Tool for Mediterranean Cetacean Identification.
topic Animals
Mediterranean Sea
Cetacea
DNA, Mitochondrial
Cytochromes b
Forensic Genetics
Species Specificity
url https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40806645/