1
|
Zupanič Pajnič I, Kovačič N. DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103067. [PMID: 38833778 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Significant variation exists in the molecular structure of compact and trabecular bone. In compact bone full dissolution of the bone powder is required to efficiently release the DNA from hydroxyapatite. In trabecular bone where soft tissues are preserved, we assume that full dissolution of the bone powder is not required to release the DNA from collagen. To investigate this issue, research was performed on 45 Second World War diaphysis (compact bone)-epiphysis (trabecular bone) femur pairs, each processed with a full dissolution (FD) and partial dissolution (PD) extraction method. DNA quality and quantity were assessed using qPCR PowerQuant analyses, and autosomal STRs were typed to confirm the authenticity of isolated DNA. Our results support different mechanisms of DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone because FD method was more efficient than PD method only in compact bone, and no difference in DNA yield was observed in trabecular bone, showing no need for full dissolution of the bone powder when trabecular bone tissue is processed. In addition, a significant difference in DNA yield was observed between compact and trabecular bone when PD was applied, with more DNA extracted from trabecular bone than compact bone. High suitability of trabecular bone processed with PD method is also supported by the similar quantities of DNA isolated by FD method when applied to both compact and trabecular bone. Additionally similar quantities of DNA were isolated when compact bone was extracted with FD method and trabecular bone was extracted with PD method. Processing trabecular bone with PD method in routine identification of skeletonized human remains shortens the extraction procedure and simplifies the grinding process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Nika Kovačič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leskovar T, Jerman I, Zupanič Pajnič I. The mysteries of DNA preservation in bone: A comparative study of petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 360:112076. [PMID: 38821024 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of 26 petrous bones and epiphyses of metacarpals from the Second World War era revealed no significant differences in DNA yield or success in STR typing. This unexpected parity in DNA preservation between the petrous bone, a renowned source of endogenous DNA in skeletal remains, and the epiphyses of metacarpals, which are porous and susceptible to taphonomic changes, is surprising. In this study, we introduced ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an approach to unravel the correlation between bone molecular structure and DNA preservation. Metacarpals and petrous bones with same taphonomic history were sampled and prepared for DNA analyses. While one portion of the sample was used for DNA analysis, the other underwent ATR-FTIR spectroscopic examination. The normalized spectra and FTIR indices between the epiphyses of metacarpals and petrous bones were compared. Because the taphonomic history of the remains used is relatively short and stable, the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy unveiled subtle structural differences between the two bone types. Petrous bones exhibited higher mineralization, whereas epiphyses contained more organic matter. The unexpected preservation of DNA in the epiphyses of metacarpals can likely be attributed to the presence of soft tissue remnants within the trabeculae. Here observed differences in the molecular structure of bones indicate there are different mechanisms enabling DNA preservation in skeletal tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Doniec A, Januła M, Sekuła A, Kowalczyk M, Ba G, Kupiec T. Validation process of automatic DNA extraction from bone material using a new advanced protocol for the EZ2 Connect instrument. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103054. [PMID: 38677037 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Identification of human remains using genetic methods is an important task of forensic science. DNA markers are proving essential in the identification of unknown human remains. However, environmental factors can lead to poor preservation of DNA, including in bone material. The aim of this study was therefore to compare two methods of DNA isolation from bone material: the traditional organic method and the new protocol using the EZ2 Connect instrument. The study involved three types of bone material, namely molars/premolars, petrous parts of the temporal bone and femurs, all with an estimated PMI of 70-80 years. Importantly, the biological material was obtained from three different environments, categorized as preserving, neutral and degrading, based on basic physico-chemical tests and the potential impact on the bone. The results obtained show that the DNA was best preserved in the petrous bone, followed by the teeth, and the femur. DNA extraction using the EZ2 Connect instrument with a new protocol gave slightly better results for the petrous bone, comparable results for the teeth and worse results for the femur compared to the organic method. Several protocol modifications were tested and optimal conditions for DNA isolation were proposed for the EZ2 protocol. Furthermore, the use of an automated method facilitated the effective accumulation of isolates and increased the chances of successful identification of unknown human remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Doniec
- Forensic Genetics Section, Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, Kraków 31-033, Poland
| | - Miłosz Januła
- Forensic Genetics Section, Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, Kraków 31-033, Poland
| | - Andrzej Sekuła
- Forensic Genetics Section, Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, Kraków 31-033, Poland
| | - Marek Kowalczyk
- Forensic Genetics Section, Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, Kraków 31-033, Poland
| | - Grażyna Ba
- Forensic Genetics Section, Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, Kraków 31-033, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kupiec
- Forensic Genetics Section, Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, Kraków 31-033, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
MacRoberts RA, Liberato M, Roca-Rada X, Valente MJ, Relvado C, Matos Fernandes T, Barrocas Dias C, Llamas B, Vasconcelos Vilar H, Schöne BR, Ribeiro S, Santos JF, Teixeira JC, Maurer AF. Shrouded in history: Unveiling the ways of life of an early Muslim population in Santarém, Portugal (8th- 10th century AD). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299958. [PMID: 38446809 PMCID: PMC10917335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In around 716 AD, the city of Santarém, Portugal, was conquered by the Berber and Arab armies that swept the Iberian Peninsula and went on to rule the region until the 12th century. Archaeological excavations in 2007/08 discovered an Islamic necropolis (Avenida 5 de Outubro #2-8) that appears to contain the remains of an early Muslim population in Santarém (8th- 10th century). In this study, skeletal material from 58 adult individuals was analysed for stable carbon (δ13Ccol; δ13Cap), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) isotope ratios in bones, and stable oxygen (δ18O), carbon (δ13Cen) and radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes in tooth enamel. The results of this study revealed a dietary pattern of predominantly C3-plant and domestic C3-fed herbivore consumption during adulthood (δ13Ccol and δ15N, respectively) but a higher proportion of C4-plant input during childhood (δ13Cen) for some individuals-interpreted as possible childhood consumption of millet porridge, a common practice in North Africa-in those with unorthodox burial types (Groups 1 and 2) that was not practiced in the individuals with canonical burials (Group 3). In this first mobility study of a medieval Muslim population in Portugal, δ18ODW values revealed greater heterogeneity in Groups 1 and 2, consistent with diverse origins, some in more humid regions than Santarém when compared to regional precipitation δ18O data, contrasting the more homogenous Group 3, consistent with the local precipitation δ18O range. Ancient DNA analysis conducted on three individuals revealed maternal (mtDNA) and paternal (Y-chromosome) lineages compatible with a North African origin for (at least) some of the individuals. Additionally, mobility of females in this population was higher than males, potentially resulting from a patrilocal social system, practiced in Berber and Arab communities. These results serve to offer a more detailed insight into the ancestry and cultural practices of early Muslim populations in Iberia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Liberato
- Centro de Estudos de Arqueologia, Artes e Ciências do Património (CEAACP), Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Xavier Roca-Rada
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Faculdade de Letras, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Valente
- Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais (FCHS), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Claudia Relvado
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Matos Fernandes
- School of Technology Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Barrocas Dias
- HERCULES Laboratory and IN2PAST, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
- School of Technology Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Bastien Llamas
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Bernd R. Schöne
- Institute of Geosciences, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sara Ribeiro
- Geobiotec, Department of Geosciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - João C. Teixeira
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies (CEIS20), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Evolution of Cultural Diversity Initiative, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scaggion C, Marinato M, Dal Sasso G, Nodari L, Saupe T, Aneli S, Pagani L, Scheib CL, Rigo M, Artioli G. A fresh perspective on infrared spectroscopy as a prescreening method for molecular and stable isotopes analyses on ancient human bones. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1028. [PMID: 38200208 PMCID: PMC10781948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the development of modern genome sequencing technologies, the investigation of museum osteological finds is increasingly informative and popular. Viable protocols to help preserve these collections from exceedingly invasive analyses, would allow greater access to the specimens for scientific research. The main aim of this work is to survey skeletal tissues, specifically petrous bones and roots of teeth, using infrared spectroscopy as a prescreening method to assess the bone quality for molecular analyses. This approach could overcome the major problem of identifying useful genetic material in archaeological bone collections without resorting to demanding, time consuming and expensive laboratory studies. A minimally invasive sampling of archaeological bones was developed and bone structural and compositional changes were examined, linking isotopic and genetic data to infrared spectra. The predictive model based on Infrared parameters is effective in determining the occurrence of ancient DNA (aDNA); however, the quality/quantity of aDNA cannot be determined because of the influence of environmental and local factors experienced by the examined bones during the burial period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Scaggion
- Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy.
- INSTM, National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, 50121, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Marinato
- Department of Cultural Heritage: Archaeology and History of Art, Cinema and Music, University of Padova, 35139, Padova, Italy
| | - Gregorio Dal Sasso
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Italian National Research Council-CNR, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Nodari
- Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy, Italian National Research Council-CNR, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Tina Saupe
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Serena Aneli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Pagani
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Christiana L Scheib
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Manuel Rigo
- Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Italian National Research Council-CNR, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Gilberto Artioli
- Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
- INSTM, National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
S D Corrêa H, Alessandri I, Verzeletti A. Assessing the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy and lipid analysis of decomposed human bones in forensic genetics and molecular taphonomy. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 354:111881. [PMID: 38000148 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Bones are among the structures most likely to be recovered after death. However, the low quantity of preserved DNA and complex processing from sample to DNA profile make forensic DNA analysis of bones a challenging task. Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), have the potential to be useful as screening tools for DNA analysis and in decomposition studies. The objective of this research was to assess the usefulness of such molecular investigations. Femur samples collected from 50 decomposing human bodies were subjected to Raman spectroscopy and GC/MS. Assessment of nuclear DNA quantity and short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping efficiency were also performed. Raman parameters (crystallinity, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, mineral-to-matrix ratio) and detected lipids were recorded. Background fluorescence proved problematic for Raman analysis of forensic bones. Regardless, it was not associated with less preserved DNA or less detected STR alleles. Fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and five types of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were detected. The main phosphate peak position in Raman spectra was significantly correlated with preserved DNA (p = 0.03713), while significantly more STR alleles were detected in bones containing methyl hexadecenoate (p = 0.04236). Detection of FAMEs in the bone matrix suggests a reaction between methanol produced by bacteria and free fatty acids, which are not associated with the level of preservation of endogenous DNA. The techniques assessed have shown to be useful in molecular taphonomy studies and forensic genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heitor S D Corrêa
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medico-surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Forensic DNA Laboratory, Politec/MT, Cuiabá, Brazil.
| | - Ivano Alessandri
- INSTM and Sustainable Chemistry and Materials Laboratory, Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Verzeletti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medico-surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rahmat RA, Humphries MA, Saedon NA, Self PG, Linacre AMT. Diagnostic models to predict nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA recovery from incinerated teeth. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1353-1360. [PMID: 37306739 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Teeth are frequently used for human identification from burnt remains, as the structure of a tooth is resilient against heat exposure. The intricate composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) mineral and collagen in teeth favours DNA preservation compared to soft tissues. Regardless of the durability, the integrity of the DNA structure in teeth can still be disrupted when exposed to heat. Poor DNA quality can negatively affect the success of DNA analysis towards human identification. The process of isolating DNA from biological samples is arduous and costly. Thus, an informative pre-screening method that could aid in selecting samples that can potentially yield amplifiable DNA would be of excellent value. A multiple linear regression model to predict the DNA content in incinerated pig teeth was developed based on the colourimetry, HA crystallite size and quantified nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The chromaticity a* was found to be a significant predictor of the regression model. This study outlines a method to predict the viability of extracting nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from pig teeth that were exposed to a wide range of temperatures (27 to 1000 °C) with high accuracy (99.5-99.7%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabiah A Rahmat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Melissa A Humphries
- School and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nor A Saedon
- Forensic DNA Division, Forensic Science Analysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, Selangor, 46661, Malaysia
| | - Peter G Self
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Adrian M T Linacre
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vassallo A, Modi A, Quagliariello A, Bacci G, Faddetta T, Gallo M, Provenzano A, La Barbera A, Lombardo G, Maggini V, Firenzuoli F, Zaccaroni M, Gallo G, Caramelli D, Aleo Nero C, Baldi F, Fani R, Palumbo Piccionello A, Pucciarelli S, Puglia AM, Sineo L. Novel Sources of Biodiversity and Biomolecules from Bacteria Isolated from a High Middle Ages Soil Sample in Palermo (Sicily, Italy). Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0437422. [PMID: 37071008 PMCID: PMC10269861 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04374-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The urban plan of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) has evolved throughout Punic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman ages until it stabilized within the borders that correspond to the current historic center. During the 2012 to 2013 excavation campaign, new remains of the Arab settlement, directly implanted above the structures of the Roman age, were found. The materials investigated in this study derived from the so-called Survey No 3, which consists of a rock cavity of subcylindrical shape covered with calcarenite blocks: it was probably used to dispose of garbage during the Arabic age and its content, derived from daily activities, included grape seeds, scales and bones of fish, small animal bones, and charcoals. Radiocarbon dating confirmed the medieval origin of this site. The composition of the bacterial community was characterized through a culture-dependent and a culture-independent approach. Culturable bacteria were isolated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and the total bacterial community was characterized through metagenomic sequencing. Bacterial isolates were tested for the production of compounds with antibiotic activity: a Streptomyces strain, whose genome was sequenced, was of particular interest because of its inhibitory activity, which was due to the Type I polyketide aureothin. Moreover, all strains were tested for the production of secreted proteases, with those belonging to the genus Nocardioides having the most active enzymes. Finally, protocols commonly used for ancient DNA studies were applied to evaluate the antiquity of isolated bacterial strains. Altogether these results show how paleomicrobiology might represent an innovative and unexplored source of novel biodiversity and new biotechnological tools. IMPORTANCE One of the goals of paleomicrobiology is the characterization of the microbial community present in archaeological sites. These analyses can usually provide valuable information about past events, such as occurrence of human and animal infectious diseases, ancient human activities, and environmental changes. However, in this work, investigations about the composition of the bacterial community of an ancient soil sample (harvested in Palermo, Italy) were carried out aiming to screen ancient culturable strains with biotechnological potential, such as the ability to produce bioactive molecules and secreted hydrolytic enzymes. Besides showing the biotechnological relevance of paleomicrobiology, this work reports a case of germination of putatively ancient bacterial spores recovered from soil rather than extreme environments. Moreover, in the case of spore-forming species, these results raise questions about the accuracy of techniques usually applied to estimate antiquity of DNA, as they could lead to its underestimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vassallo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC), Italy
| | - Alessandra Modi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Andrea Quagliariello
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Giovanni Bacci
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Teresa Faddetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| | - Michele Gallo
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venezia Mestre (VE), Italy
| | - Aldesia Provenzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Florence, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Andrea La Barbera
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa (GE), Italy
| | - Giovanna Lombardo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| | - Valentina Maggini
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine, Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine, Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Marco Zaccaroni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gallo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| | - David Caramelli
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Carla Aleo Nero
- Soprintendenza ai Beni culturali e ambientali di Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| | - Franco Baldi
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venezia Mestre (VE), Italy
| | - Renato Fani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence (FI), Italy
| | - Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| | - Sandra Pucciarelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Puglia
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| | - Luca Sineo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo (PA), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Andreeva TV, Malyarchuk AB, Soshkina AD, Dudko NA, Plotnikova MY, Rogaev EI. Methodologies for Ancient DNA Extraction from Bones for Genomic Analysis: Approaches and Guidelines. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422090034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
10
|
Leskovar T, Zupanič Pajnič I, Jerman I. Dealing with minor differences in bone matrix: can spectra follow the DNA preservation? AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2021.1948102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- Department for Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Raffone C, Baeta M, Lambacher N, Granizo-Rodríguez E, Etxeberria F, de Pancorbo MM. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may influence DNA preservation in skeletal remains: A review. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 325:110859. [PMID: 34098475 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The identification of skeletal human remains, severely compromised by putrefaction, or highly deteriorated, is important for legal and humanitarian reasons. There are different tools that can help in the identification process such as anthropological and genetic studies. The success observed during the last decade in genetic analysis of skeletal remains has been possible especially due to the refinements of DNA extraction and posterior analysis techniques. However, despite these progresses, many challenges keep influencing the results of such analysis, mainly the limited amount and the degradation of the DNA recovered from badly preserved samples. By now, there is still no wide-range knowledge about post-mortem kinetics of DNA degradation. Therefore, taphonomy studies can play a key role in the reconstruction of post-mortem transformations that skeletal remains, and consequently DNA, have undergone. Thus, the goal of the present review focuses on the assessment of the literature regarding the possible effect of intrinsic (characteristics of the bone) and extrinsic (environmental) factors on the state of preservation of skeletal remains recovered in a terrestrial environment and their genetic material. The establishment of useful indicators describing the state of the remains is a key factor in order to determine their suitability for posterior biomolecular analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Raffone
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Department of Physical Anthropology, Society of Sciences Aranzadi, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Miriam Baeta
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Nicole Lambacher
- Department of Physical Anthropology, Society of Sciences Aranzadi, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Eva Granizo-Rodríguez
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Francisco Etxeberria
- Department of Legal Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Marian M de Pancorbo
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Keighley X, Bro‐Jørgensen MH, Ahlgren H, Szpak P, Ciucani MM, Sánchez Barreiro F, Howse L, Gotfredsen AB, Glykou A, Jordan P, Lidén K, Olsen MT. Predicting sample success for large-scale ancient DNA studies on marine mammals. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1149-1166. [PMID: 33463014 PMCID: PMC8248401 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, nonhuman ancient DNA studies have begun to focus on larger sample sizes and whole genomes, offering the potential to reveal exciting and hitherto unknown answers to ongoing biological and archaeological questions. However, one major limitation to such studies is the substantial financial and time investments still required during sample screening, due to uncertainty regarding successful sample selection. This study investigates the effect of a wide range of sample properties including latitude, sample age, skeletal element, collagen preservation, and context on endogenous content and DNA damage profiles for 317 ancient and historic pinniped samples collected from across the North Atlantic and surrounding regions. Using generalised linear and mixed-effect models, we found that a range of factors affected DNA preservation within each of the species under consideration. The most important findings were that endogenous content varied significantly within species according to context, the type of skeletal element, the collagen content and collection year. There also appears to be an effect of the sample's geographic origin, with samples from the Arctic generally showing higher endogenous content and lower damage rates. Both latitude and sample age were found to have significant relationships with damage levels, but only for walrus samples. Sex, ontogenetic age and extraction material preparation were not found to have any significant relationship with DNA preservation. Overall, skeletal element and sample context were found to be the most influential factors and should therefore be considered when selecting samples for large-scale ancient genome studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xénia Keighley
- Section for Evolutionary GenomicsGLOBE InstituteUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
- Arctic Centre/Groningen Institute of ArchaeologyFaculty of ArtsUniversity of GroningenAS GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Maiken Hemme Bro‐Jørgensen
- Section for Evolutionary GenomicsGLOBE InstituteUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
- Archaeological Research LaboratoryDepartment of Archaeology and Classical StudiesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Hans Ahlgren
- Archaeological Research LaboratoryDepartment of Archaeology and Classical StudiesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Paul Szpak
- Department of AnthropologyTrent UniversityPeterboroughOntarioCanada
| | - Marta Maria Ciucani
- Section for Evolutionary GenomicsGLOBE InstituteUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
| | | | - Lesley Howse
- Archaeology CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Aikaterini Glykou
- Archaeological Research LaboratoryDepartment of Archaeology and Classical StudiesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Peter Jordan
- Department of Archaeology and Ancient HistoryLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Kerstin Lidén
- Archaeological Research LaboratoryDepartment of Archaeology and Classical StudiesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Morten Tange Olsen
- Section for Evolutionary GenomicsGLOBE InstituteUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Emmons AL, Mundorff AZ, Keenan SW, Davoren J, Andronowski J, Carter DO, DeBruyn JM. Characterizing the postmortem human bone microbiome from surface-decomposed remains. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0218636. [PMID: 32639969 PMCID: PMC7343130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial colonization of bone is an important mechanism of postmortem skeletal degradation. However, the types and distributions of bone and tooth colonizing microbes are not well characterized. It is unknown if microbial communities vary in abundance or composition between bone element types, which could help explain differences in human DNA preservation. The goals of the present study were to (1) identify the types of microbes capable of colonizing different human bone types and (2) relate microbial abundances, diversity, and community composition to bone type and human DNA preservation. DNA extracts from 165 bone and tooth samples from three skeletonized individuals were assessed for bacterial loading and microbial community composition and structure. Random forest models were applied to predict operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with human DNA concentration. Dominant bacterial bone colonizers were from the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Planctomycetes. Eukaryotic bone colonizers were from Ascomycota, Apicomplexa, Annelida, Basidiomycota, and Ciliophora. Bacterial loading was not a significant predictor of human DNA concentration in two out of three individuals. Random forest models were minimally successful in identifying microbes related to human DNA concentration, which were complicated by high variability in community structure between individuals and body regions. This work expands on our understanding of the types of microbes capable of colonizing the postmortem human skeleton and potentially contributing to human skeletal DNA degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Emmons
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Amy Z. Mundorff
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sarah W. Keenan
- Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Davoren
- Bode Cellmark Forensics, Lorton, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Janna Andronowski
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David O. Carter
- Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Sciences Unit, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M. DeBruyn
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kontopoulos I, Penkman K, Mullin VE, Winkelbach L, Unterländer M, Scheu A, Kreutzer S, Hansen HB, Margaryan A, Teasdale MD, Gehlen B, Street M, Lynnerup N, Liritzis I, Sampson A, Papageorgopoulou C, Allentoft ME, Burger J, Bradley DG, Collins MJ. Screening archaeological bone for palaeogenetic and palaeoproteomic studies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235146. [PMID: 32584871 PMCID: PMC7316274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The recovery and analysis of ancient DNA and protein from archaeological bone is time-consuming and expensive to carry out, while it involves the partial or complete destruction of valuable or rare specimens. The fields of palaeogenetic and palaeoproteomic research would benefit greatly from techniques that can assess the molecular quality prior to sampling. To be relevant, such screening methods should be effective, minimally-destructive, and rapid. This study reports results based on spectroscopic (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance [FTIR-ATR]; n = 266), palaeoproteomic (collagen content; n = 226), and palaeogenetic (endogenous DNA content; n = 88) techniques. We establish thresholds for three different FTIR indices, a) the infrared splitting factor [IRSF] that assesses relative changes in bioapatite crystals’ size and homogeneity; b) the carbonate-to-phosphate [C/P] ratio as a relative measure of carbonate content in bioapatite crystals; and c) the amide-to-phosphate ratio [Am/P] for assessing the relative organic content preserved in bone. These thresholds are both extremely reliable and easy to apply for the successful and rapid distinction between well- and poorly-preserved specimens. This is a milestone for choosing appropriate samples prior to genomic and collagen analyses, with important implications for biomolecular archaeology and palaeontology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kontopoulos
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Kirsty Penkman
- Department of Chemistry, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria E. Mullin
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Winkelbach
- Palaeogenetics Group, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martina Unterländer
- Palaeogenetics Group, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Department of History and Ethnology, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
- German Federal Criminal Police Office, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Amelie Scheu
- Palaeogenetics Group, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Kreutzer
- Palaeogenetics Group, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Henrik B. Hansen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ashot Margaryan
- Centre for GeoGenetics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew D. Teasdale
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Archaeology, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Birgit Gehlen
- Collaborative Research Centre, project D4, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Street
- MONREPOS Archaeological Research Centre and Museum for Human Behavioural Evolution, RGZM Leibniz Research Institute for Archaeology, Neuwied, Germany
| | - Niels Lynnerup
- Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Liritzis
- Laboratory of Archaeometry, Department of Mediterranean Studies, University of the Aegean, Rhodes, Greece
- Center on Yellow River Civilization of Henan Province, Key Research Institute of Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development and Collaborative Innovation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Adamantios Sampson
- Department of Mediterranean Studies, University of the Aegean, Rhodes, Greece
| | - Christina Papageorgopoulou
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Department of History and Ethnology, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Morten E. Allentoft
- Centre for GeoGenetics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joachim Burger
- Palaeogenetics Group, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel G. Bradley
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew J. Collins
- Department of Archaeology, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evogenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mckinnon M, Henneberg M, Simpson E, Higgins D. A comparison of crystal structure in fresh, burned and archaic bone - Implications for forensic sampling. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110328. [PMID: 32502739 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Standard protocols for extracting DNA from bone are variable and are largely dependent on the state of preservation. In archaic samples, endogenous DNA is believed to be tightly bound to crystal aggregates in the Hydroxyapatite (HAp) matrix requiring prolonged demineralisation to allow its release. By comparison, fresh bone contains abundant cellular material, discounting the need for demineralisation. Recommendations for incinerated bone, specifically how viable sampling sites should be selected and the ideal techniques for DNA recovery are unclear, and the protocol used is often selected based on macroscopic sample appearance. It has been postulated that like archaic bone, burned bone is 'highly degraded' and therefore aDNA techniques may present better results for DNA recovery than using fresh protocols. However, little research has been undertaken comparing the crystal structure of burnt, fresh and archaic bone. This study uses a combination of XRPD and SEM analysis to compare the crystalline profile and microscopic appearance of burned bone subjected to temperatures ranging from 100-1000°C, with archaic and fresh samples. Although macroscopically visually different, fresh samples and samples heated up to 500°C showed no microscopic differences or significant changes in crystallinity. By comparison, samples heated above 500°C became significantly more crystalline, with HAp crystal size increasing dramatically. Archaic samples were different again, more closely resembling the amorphous fresh samples than the highly crystalline incinerated samples. These results suggests that, potentially, samples burned at 500°C or lower can be treated as fresh samples, whilst samples exposed to higher temperatures may require adapted protocols. Whether or not these highly burned samples require demineralisation needs to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Mckinnon
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Maciej Henneberg
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | | | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide Dental School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with data manipulation as a pre-screening method to assess DNA preservation in skeletal remains. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 44:102196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
17
|
Inter and intra-individual variation in skeletal DNA preservation in buried remains. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 44:102193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
18
|
Pálsdóttir AH, Bläuer A, Rannamäe E, Boessenkool S, Hallsson JH. Not a limitless resource: ethics and guidelines for destructive sampling of archaeofaunal remains. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:191059. [PMID: 31824712 PMCID: PMC6837180 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of ancient DNA, as well as other methods such as isotope analysis, destructive sampling of archaeofaunal remains has increased much faster than the effort to collect and curate them. While there has been considerable discussion regarding the ethics of destructive sampling and analysis of human remains, this dialogue has not extended to archaeofaunal material. Here we address this gap and discuss the ethical challenges surrounding destructive sampling of materials from archaeofaunal collections. We suggest ways of mitigating the negative aspects of destructive sampling and present step-by-step guidelines aimed at relevant stakeholders, including scientists, holding institutions and scientific journals. Our suggestions are in most cases easily implemented without significant increases in project costs, but with clear long-term benefits in the preservation and use of zooarchaeological material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albína Hulda Pálsdóttir
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Postbox 1066, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Agricultural University of Iceland, Keldnaholti - Árleyni 22, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Author for correspondence: Albína Hulda Pálsdóttir e-mail:
| | - Auli Bläuer
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 A, 20520 Turku, Finland
- University of Turku, Archaeology, Akatemiankatu 1, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Eve Rannamäe
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 A, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Institute of History and Archaeology, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sanne Boessenkool
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Postbox 1066, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jón Hallsteinn Hallsson
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Agricultural University of Iceland, Keldnaholti - Árleyni 22, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pinhasi R, Fernandes DM, Sirak K, Cheronet O. Isolating the human cochlea to generate bone powder for ancient DNA analysis. Nat Protoc 2019; 14:1194-1205. [DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
20
|
Figdor D, Brundin M. Contamination Controls for Analysis of Root Canal Samples by Molecular Methods: An Overlooked and Unsolved Problem. J Endod 2016; 42:1003-8. [PMID: 27236203 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It has been almost 20 years since molecular methods were first described for the analysis of root canal microbial flora. Contamination control samples are essential to establish DNA decontamination before taking root canal samples, and this review assessed those studies. METHODS Using PubMed, a search was conducted for studies using molecular microbial analysis for the investigation of endodontic samples. Studies were grouped according to the cleaning protocol, acquisition methods, and processing of control samples taken to check for contamination. RESULTS Of 136 studies applying molecular analysis to root canal samples, 21 studies performed surface cleaning and checking nucleotide decontamination with contamination control samples processed by polymerase chain reaction. Only 1 study described disinfection, sampling from the access cavity, and processing by polymerase chain reaction and reported the result; that study reported that all samples contained contaminating bacterial DNA. CONCLUSIONS Cleaning, disinfection, and checking for contamination are basic scientific prerequisites for this type of investigation; yet, this review identifies it as an overlooked issue. On the basis of this review, we call for improved scientific practice in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Figdor
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Malin Brundin
- Department of Odontology/Endodontics, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Doménech-Carbó MT, Buendía-Ortuño M, Pasies-Oviedo T, Osete-Cortina L. Analytical study of waterlogged ivory from the Bajo de la campana site (Murcia, Spain). Microchem J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2015.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
22
|
Coulson-Thomas YM, Norton AL, Coulson-Thomas VJ, Florencio-Silva R, Ali N, Elmrghni S, Gil CD, Sasso GRS, Dixon RA, Nader HB. DNA and bone structure preservation in medieval human skeletons. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 251:186-94. [PMID: 25912776 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Morphological and ultrastructural data from archaeological human bones are scarce, particularly data that have been correlated with information on the preservation of molecules such as DNA. Here we examine the bone structure of macroscopically well-preserved medieval human skeletons by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, and the quantity and quality of DNA extracted from these skeletons. DNA technology has been increasingly used for analyzing physical evidence in archaeological forensics; however, the isolation of ancient DNA is difficult since it is highly degraded, extraction yields are low and the co-extraction of PCR inhibitors is a problem. We adapted and optimised a method that is frequently used for isolating DNA from modern samples, Chelex(®) 100 (Bio-Rad) extraction, for isolating DNA from archaeological human bones and teeth. The isolated DNA was analysed by real-time PCR using primers targeting the sex determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) and STR typing using the AmpFlSTR(®) Identifiler PCR Amplification kit. Our results clearly show the preservation of bone matrix in medieval bones and the presence of intact osteocytes with well preserved encapsulated nuclei. In addition, we show how effective Chelex(®) 100 is for isolating ancient DNA from archaeological bones and teeth. This optimised method is suitable for STR typing using kits aimed specifically at degraded and difficult DNA templates since amplicons of up to 250bp were successfully amplified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvette M Coulson-Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio 100, São Paulo, 04044-020, Brazil; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
| | | | - Vivien J Coulson-Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio 100, São Paulo, 04044-020, Brazil; John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Rinaldo Florencio-Silva
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, São Paulo, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Nadir Ali
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Samir Elmrghni
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Cristiane D Gil
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, São Paulo, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Gisela R S Sasso
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, São Paulo, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Ronald A Dixon
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Helena B Nader
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio 100, São Paulo, 04044-020, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Marciniak S, Klunk J, Devault A, Enk J, Poinar HN. Ancient human genomics: the methodology behind reconstructing evolutionary pathways. J Hum Evol 2015; 79:21-34. [PMID: 25601038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has radically altered approaches to human evolutionary research. Recent contributions highlight that HTS is able to reach depths of the human lineage previously thought to be impossible. In this paper, we outline the methodological advances afforded by recent developments in DNA recovery, data output, scalability, speed, and resolution of the current sequencing technology. We review and critically evaluate the 'DNA pipeline' for ancient samples: from DNA extraction, to constructing immortalized sequence libraries, to enrichment strategies (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and hybridization capture), and finally, to bioinformatic analyses of sequence data. We argue that continued evaluations and improvements to this process are essential to ensure sequence data validity. Also, we highlight the role of contamination and authentication in ancient DNA-HTS, which is particularly relevant to ancient human genomics, since sequencing the genomes of hominins such as Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis may soon be within the realm of possibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Marciniak
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Klunk
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alison Devault
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; MYcroarray, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jacob Enk
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; MYcroarray, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hendrik N Poinar
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Scorrano G, Valentini F, Martínez-Labarga C, Rolfo MF, Fiammenghi A, Lo Vetro D, Martini F, Casoli A, Ferraris G, Palleschi G, Palleschi A, Rickards O. Methodological strategies to assess the degree of bone preservation for ancient DNA studies. Ann Hum Biol 2014; 42:10-9. [PMID: 25231926 DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2014.954614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Archaeological bones contain only small amounts of DNA due to post-mortem DNA degradation and the changes endogenous DNA is subjected to during diagenesis. An important step before undertaking such time-consuming and costly analyses as ancient DNA investigation is to predict the presence of DNA in ancient samples. To date, the leading screening method has been amino acid racemization; however, other analytical techniques can also be used to assess the degree of bone preservation. AIM The aim of the present study was to relate the presence of DNA with bone preservation in order to select samples potentially suitable for ancient DNA analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Bones collected from several archaeological sites, different locations (cave, rockshelter or sub divo) and diachronic periods were selected for analytical and spectroscopic analysis in order to correlate bone tissue preservation with the presence of DNA. Different techniques were combined to assess the degree of preservation of organic and inorganic components. RESULTS As determined by different analytical methods, preservation of the inorganic component was best associated with the presence of DNA. CONCLUSION Evaluation of the bone preservation state may be an efficient step to predict the presence of DNA in ancient samples prior to aDNA analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Scorrano
- Centro di Antropologia molecolare per lo studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fernández E, Pérez-Pérez A, Gamba C, Prats E, Cuesta P, Anfruns J, Molist M, Arroyo-Pardo E, Turbón D. Ancient DNA analysis of 8000 B.C. near eastern farmers supports an early neolithic pioneer maritime colonization of Mainland Europe through Cyprus and the Aegean Islands. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004401. [PMID: 24901650 PMCID: PMC4046922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic impact associated to the Neolithic spread in Europe has been widely debated over the last 20 years. Within this context, ancient DNA studies have provided a more reliable picture by directly analyzing the protagonist populations at different regions in Europe. However, the lack of available data from the original Near Eastern farmers has limited the achieved conclusions, preventing the formulation of continental models of Neolithic expansion. Here we address this issue by presenting mitochondrial DNA data of the original Near-Eastern Neolithic communities with the aim of providing the adequate background for the interpretation of Neolithic genetic data from European samples. Sixty-three skeletons from the Pre Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) sites of Tell Halula, Tell Ramad and Dja'de El Mughara dating between 8,700-6,600 cal. B.C. were analyzed, and 15 validated mitochondrial DNA profiles were recovered. In order to estimate the demographic contribution of the first farmers to both Central European and Western Mediterranean Neolithic cultures, haplotype and haplogroup diversities in the PPNB sample were compared using phylogeographic and population genetic analyses to available ancient DNA data from human remains belonging to the Linearbandkeramik-Alföldi Vonaldiszes Kerámia and Cardial/Epicardial cultures. We also searched for possible signatures of the original Neolithic expansion over the modern Near Eastern and South European genetic pools, and tried to infer possible routes of expansion by comparing the obtained results to a database of 60 modern populations from both regions. Comparisons performed among the 3 ancient datasets allowed us to identify K and N-derived mitochondrial DNA haplogroups as potential markers of the Neolithic expansion, whose genetic signature would have reached both the Iberian coasts and the Central European plain. Moreover, the observed genetic affinities between the PPNB samples and the modern populations of Cyprus and Crete seem to suggest that the Neolithic was first introduced into Europe through pioneer seafaring colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Fernández
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Paleoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Laboratorio de Genética Forense y Genética de Poblaciones, Dpto. Toxicología y Legislación Sanitaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Alejandro Pérez-Pérez
- Dpto. Biología Animal-Unidad de Antropología, Facultad de Biología, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gamba
- Laboratorio de Genética Forense y Genética de Poblaciones, Dpto. Toxicología y Legislación Sanitaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Prats
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Cuesta
- Dpto. de Apoyo a la Investigación, Servicios informáticos de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Anfruns
- Dep. Prehistoria, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Molist
- Dep. Prehistoria, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Arroyo-Pardo
- Laboratorio de Genética Forense y Genética de Poblaciones, Dpto. Toxicología y Legislación Sanitaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Turbón
- Dpto. Biología Animal-Unidad de Antropología, Facultad de Biología, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Grunenwald A, Keyser C, Sautereau AM, Crubézy E, Ludes B, Drouet C. Novel contribution on the diagenetic physicochemical features of bone and teeth minerals, as substrates for ancient DNA typing. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:4691-704. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7863-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|