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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Protein molecular data from ancient (>1 million years old) fossil material: pitfalls, possibilities and grand
Mary Higby Schweitzer1, Elena R Schroeter, Michael B Goshe
1Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, §Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States.
Abstract:
Advances in resolution and sensitivity of analytical techniques have provided novel applications, including the analyses of fossil material. However, the recovery of original proteinaceous components from very old fossil samples (defined as >1 million years (1 Ma) from previously named limits in the literature) is far from trivial. Here, we discuss the challenges to recovery of proteinaceous components from fossils, and the need for new sample preparation techniques, analytical methods, and bioinformatics to optimize and fully utilize the great potential of information locked in the fossil record. We present evidence for survival of original components across geological time, and discuss the potential benefits of recovery, analyses, and interpretation of fossil materials older than 1 Ma, both within and outside of the fields of evolutionary biology.
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