Anton Chekhov and Robert Koch Cheek to Cheek: A Proteomic Study

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Biochemistry
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Artifacts from Anton Chekhov, including letters, postcards, and his deathbed shirt, were analyzed.
• The study aimed to identify microbial and human biological signatures on these historical items.

Observation:

• Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) diskettes were used to collect samples from the artifacts.
• Eluates were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry.
• A meta-proteomics approach was employed to identify environmental microbiota and specific bacterial strains.

Findings:

• Eight Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins were identified, confirming the bacterium as the cause of Chekhov's death.
• Peptides from other bacterial species were also detected.
• Human plasma proteins and keratins were found on a blood spot on the shirt.

Implications:

• This research demonstrates the power of meta-proteomics and mass spectrometry in analyzing historical artifacts.
• The findings provide direct biological evidence regarding Anton Chekhov's cause of death.
• The methodology can be applied to other historical and forensic investigations.