I am looking for a reference that substantiates storing genomic DNA (in water) at 4 degrees vs. -20 degrees, long-term vs. short-term, etc.

Does anyone know of a good paper on this topic? I'm not getting anywhere with a search in PubMed.

Thanks in advance!!

cmartino:

Here is a good reference article discussing optimal storage conditions for DNA.

Smith S, Morin SA. Optimal storage conditions for highly dilute DNA samples: A role for Trehalose as a preserving agent. Journal of Forensic Sciences, Sept 2005, Volume 50, Issue 5

Abstract
DNA extraction from trace samples or noninvasively collected samples often results in the recovery of low concentration solutions of DNA that are prone to DNA degradation or other loss. Because of the difficulty in obtaining such samples, and their potentially high value in wildlife and forensic studies, it is critical that optimal methods are employed for their long-term storage. We assessed the amplification yield of samples kept under different storage conditions with the addition of potential preserving agents. We stored dilutions of known concentration human placental DNA, and gorilla fecal DNA, under four conditions (+4°C, -20°C, -80°C, dry at room temperature), and with three additives (Tris EDTA (TE) buffer, Hind III digested Lambda DNA, trehalose). The effectiveness of the treatment methods was tested at regular intervals using qPCR to assess the quantity of amplifiable DNA, and a PCR assay of a larger 757 bp fragment to evaluate the quality of that remaining DNA. The highest quantity of DNA remained in samples stored at -80°C, regardless of storage additives, and those dried at room temperature in the presence of trehalose. Surprisingly, DNA quality was best preserved in the presence of trehalose, either dried or at -80°C; significant quality loss occurred with -20°C and +4°C storage.

Reference Link:

http://journalsip.astm.org/JOURNALS/FORENSIC/PAGES/5051.htm

Biomatrica has developed a dissolvable polymer called SampleMatrix that is a synthetic version of trehalose and offers the same benefits of room temperature DNA storage.
See www.biomatrica.com

I was reviewing this issue a year or so ago, and found it difficult to find published studies on the topic. However, if you visit the QIAgen website you should be able to link to a tech bulletin about DNA storage. In this they described the effects of storage in water vs. a TE buffer on DNA integrity when stored under refrigerated or frozen conditions.

If you DO find a published study, let us know. I'd be interested to see it.