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Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Comparing Ancient DNA Preservation in Petrous Bone and Tooth Cementum
Henrik B Hansen1, Peter B Damgaard1, Ashot Margaryan1
1Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Plos One
|January 28, 2017
Summary
Ancient DNA extraction is optimized by comparing petrous bone and tooth cementum. Petrous bone generally yields higher endogenous DNA, though preservation varies by site and sample quality. Cremated remains yield no authentic human DNA.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Ancient DNA Research
- Human Population Genetics
Background:
- Large-scale genomic analyses of ancient humans rely on effective DNA extraction methods.
- Petrous bone and tooth cementum are considered optimal tissues for ancient DNA recovery.
- Understanding DNA preservation across different substrates is crucial for reliable ancient genomics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare DNA preservation and damage patterns in petrous bone versus tooth cementum from the same ancient human skulls.
- To evaluate the influence of preservation environments and sample quality on DNA yield.
- To assess the suitability of these substrates for ancient human population genomic studies.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of endogenous DNA content in petrous bone and tooth cementum.
- Assessment of DNA damage (cytosine deamination) and mitochondrial/nuclear DNA ratios.
- Evaluation of DNA preservation in ancient cremated remains.
- Correlation of DNA yield with crude preservation assessments.
Main Results:
- Both petrous bone (40.0%) and tooth cementum (16.4%) show significantly higher endogenous DNA than parietal bone (2.2%).
- Petrous bone generally outperforms tooth cementum, though this is influenced by specific sample sites (e.g., Viking remains).
- Higher deamination damage and lower mtDNA/nDNA ratios were observed in petrous bone compared to tooth cementum. Cremated remains yielded no authentic human DNA.
Conclusions:
- Petrous bone is a highly valuable substrate for ancient human genomics, offering superior DNA preservation in many cases.
- Tooth cementum remains a viable alternative, particularly when petrous bone preservation is compromised or unavailable.
- Careful consideration of sample origin, preservation conditions, and DNA damage is essential for successful ancient DNA studies.
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