Preservation potential of keratin in deep time

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Keratin's durability is established through fossil discoveries and taphonomic experiments.
• Antibodies are useful for identifying keratin peptides in extant and fossilized feathers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preservation potential of feather keratin (β-keratin) in fossil remains.
• To validate antibody specificity and reliability for keratin identification under various conditions.
• To analyze a fossil feather from a sinter hot spring environment.

Main Methods:

• Localization of feather-keratin antibodies on control and heat-treated feathers.
• High-resolution analysis of antibody response to the feather matrix.
• Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect protein presence.
• Application of methods to a fossil feather from a sinter hot spring.

Main Results:

• Antibody localization was repeatable on control and heat-treated feathers.
• High-resolution data confirmed specific antibody response to the feather matrix.
• ToF-SIMS supported the presence of protein in heat-treated feathers.
• Methods were successfully applied to a fossil feather specimen.

Conclusions:

• Keratin, especially β-keratin in feathers, has significant potential for preservation in the fossil record.
• Experimental conditions mimicking natural taphonomic processes, like sediment burial, are crucial for accurate preservation studies.
• The study provides robust evidence for keratin preservation in a unique fossil environment.