Naslov
Improving ancient DNA yields through osteological experimentation: current trends and future implications

Autori
Novak, Mario ; Fernandes, Daniel M. ; Sirak, Kendra A. ; Pinhasi, Ron

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
3rd Scientific Conference: Methodology and Archaeometry / Miloglav, Ina - Zagreb : Hrvatsko arheološko društvo, 2015, 36-37

ISBN
978-953-6335-09-1

Skup
3rd Scientific Conference: Methodology and Archaeometry

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska, 02.12.2015. - 04.12.2015

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
ancient DNA; yields; inner ear; petrous bone

Sažetak
The introduction of next generation sequencing technologies dramatically transformed studies of DNA obtained from ancient bones, allowing significantly faster and more cost-effective sequencing of entire genomes. Despite this rapid improvement, ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis still confronts challenges associated with modern DNA contamination as well as low (~ 1% or less) percentages of endogenous DNA contained in fossil specimens. Historically, both forensic geneticists and aDNA specialists considered femur and teeth to be the most appropriate locations from which to extract DNA. However, the endogenous yields, especially in case of aDNA, proved to be unsatisfactory. In order to try to increase human aDNA yields, we took into consideration different skeletal and dental elements retrieved from various archaeological contexts. Preliminary results from a series of experiments conducted in aDNA-dedicated facilities at University College Dublin suggested that the petrous part of the temporal bone might be especially suited for this type of research. Therefore, we carried out intra-petrous comparisons for ten petrous bones from archaeological contexts across Eurasia dated between 10, 000 and 1, 800 years BP. Shotgun DNA sequences were obtained from three distinct areas within the petrous: a spongy part of trabecular bone, the dense part of cortical bone encircling the osseous inner ear (otic capsule), and the dense part within the otic capsule. Our results confirm that the dense part within the otic capsule can provide significantly higher endogenous aDNA yields in comparison with the other two areas within the petrous. Additionally, these results also confirm significantly higher endogenous aDNA yields (up to 535X) obtained from this region of the petrous bone when compared with other skeletal and dental elements commonly used.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Arheologija

POVEZANOST RADA