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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
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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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Human auditory ossicles as an alternative optimal source of ancient DNA
Kendra Sirak1,2, Daniel Fernandes2,3,4, Olivia Cheronet2,3
1Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Genome Research
|February 27, 2020
Summary
Auditory ossicles offer an alternative to cochlear sampling for ancient DNA recovery. This method preserves morphological data and yields comparable DNA quantity and quality, aiding ancient human genome research.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenetics
- Bioarchaeology
- Human Evolution
Background:
- Ancient DNA (aDNA) recovery from human remains is crucial for reconstructing past populations.
- The cochlea is an optimal skeletal element for aDNA preservation but its sampling sacrifices morphological data.
- Auditory ossicles share developmental and histological similarities with the cochlea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate auditory ossicles as an alternative source for aDNA recovery.
- To compare DNA yield and quality from ossicles versus cochlea.
- To assess the impact of ossicle sampling on skeletal remains.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of DNA recovery from auditory ossicles and cochlea.
- Assessment of DNA quantity and quality across various preservation conditions.
- Evaluation of ossicle sampling techniques on skeletal integrity.
Main Results:
- Auditory ossicles yield comparable aDNA quantity and quality to the cochlea.
- Minimal differences in data quality were observed across preservation states.
- Ossicle sampling can be performed without damaging surrounding skeletal structures.
Conclusions:
- Auditory ossicles are a viable and optimal alternative to cochlear sampling for aDNA studies.
- Utilizing ossicles preserves valuable morphological information in human remains.
- This method enhances the toolkit for non-destructive ancient DNA analysis and skeletal preservation.
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