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A minimally destructive protocol for DNA extraction from ancient teeth.

Éadaoin Harney1,2,3,4, Olivia Cheronet5, Daniel M Fernandes5,6

  • 1Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

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|February 13, 2021
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a minimally destructive ancient DNA (aDNA) sampling method for tooth cementum. The new technique yields high-quality aDNA comparable to destructive methods, preserving valuable skeletal remains.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleogenetics
  • Archaeological Science
  • Molecular Anthropology

Background:

  • Traditional ancient DNA (aDNA) extraction methods, particularly from dental cementum, are destructive, often sacrificing significant portions of valuable skeletal remains.
  • Concerns about the impact of destructive sampling on archaeological and anthropological research are growing as the field of aDNA analysis expands.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a minimally destructive method for extracting aDNA from tooth root cementum.
  • To assess the quality and comparability of aDNA obtained using the new method versus traditional destructive techniques.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of surface decontamination protocols in minimizing contamination without physical removal of material.

Main Methods:

  • A novel, non-destructive technique for isolating aDNA from dental cementum was developed, avoiding drilling or grinding.
  • DNA was extracted and sequenced from 30 teeth and 9 petrous bones using both the minimally destructive method and a conventional destructive approach.
  • Tooth surfaces underwent rigorous cleaning with diluted bleach and UV irradiation to mitigate external contamination.

Main Results:

  • The minimally destructive method successfully yielded ancient DNA of comparable quality to that obtained from destructively sampled teeth.
  • The non-destructive approach preserved the integrity of the teeth, allowing for subsequent morphological and radiocarbon dating analyses.
  • Effective decontamination of the tooth surface using bleach and UV light proved sufficient to reduce contaminants.

Conclusions:

  • Minimally destructive aDNA sampling from tooth cementum is a viable alternative to traditional methods, offering comparable DNA quality.
  • This approach significantly reduces the loss of valuable skeletal material, enabling broader downstream analyses.
  • Surface decontamination protocols are critical and effective in ensuring the reliability of aDNA from minimally invasive sampling.