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DNA from resin-embedded organisms: Past, present and future
David Peris1, Kathrin Janssen2, H Jonas Barthel1
1Section Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Plos One
|September 28, 2020
Summary
DNA is recoverable from insects preserved in young resin, challenging previous assumptions about resin's suitability for ancient DNA (aDNA) studies. This research paves the way for exploring DNA preservation limits in resin, starting with modern samples.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Paleontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Previous studies on ancient DNA (aDNA) recovery from fossils, particularly amber, have been criticized for contamination and lack of reproducibility.
- Insects preserved in ancient resin, especially amber, are generally considered unsuitable for genetic studies due to presumed DNA degradation.
- While palaeoproteomics can analyze older materials, reliable aDNA recovery from insects in sub-fossilized resin remains poorly documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and preservation of DNA in insects embedded in relatively young resin (2-6 years old).
- To develop and optimize a method for aDNA extraction from resin-embedded insects, adhering to strict contamination control protocols.
- To explore the fundamental limits of DNA preservation within resin, moving from recent to ancient samples incrementally.
Main Methods:
- Optimized DNA extraction protocol specifically designed for resin-embedded insects.
- Strict adherence to ancient DNA (aDNA) experimental requirements and precautions to prevent modern contamination.
- Analysis of DNA from platypodine beetles preserved in two-year-old and six-year-old resin pieces of Hymenaea verrucosa.
Main Results:
- Successfully recovered DNA from platypodine beetles preserved in both two-year-old and six-year-old resin.
- Demonstrated that DNA, despite being labile, remains detectable in insects within these young resin samples.
- Established a viable, contamination-controlled method for extracting DNA from resin-embedded organisms.
Conclusions:
- DNA can be successfully recovered from insects preserved in young resin, indicating potential for future paleogenomic studies.
- Resin-embedded specimens are not inherently unsuitable for genetic studies, contrary to prior assumptions.
- Further research is needed to determine the ultimate time limits for DNA preservation in resin.
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