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Gibbon VE, Thompson JC, Alves S. Informed proxy consent for ancient DNA research. Commun Biol 2024; 7:815. [PMID: 38965340 PMCID: PMC11224335 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06413-0] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Embracing the underlying principles and processes of informed proxy consent or relational autonomy consent in human ancient DNA research can transform research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Gibbon
- Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7935, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jessica C Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, 10 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Yale Peabody Museum, Yale University, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Sianne Alves
- Office for Inclusivity & Change, Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Transformation: University of Cape Town, Ivan Toms Building, 28 Rhodes Avenue Mowbray, Cape Town, South Africa
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2
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Özdoğan KT, Gelabert P, Hammers N, Altınışık NE, de Groot A, Plets G. Archaeology meets environmental genomics: implementing sedaDNA in the study of the human past. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2024; 16:108. [PMID: 38948161 PMCID: PMC11213777 DOI: 10.1007/s12520-024-01999-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) has become one of the standard applications in the field of paleogenomics in recent years. It has been used for paleoenvironmental reconstructions, detecting the presence of prehistoric species in the absence of macro remains and even investigating the evolutionary history of a few species. However, its application in archaeology has been limited and primarily focused on humans. This article argues that sedaDNA holds significant potential in addressing key archaeological questions concerning the origins, lifestyles, and environments of past human populations. Our aim is to facilitate the integration of sedaDNA into the standard workflows in archaeology as a transformative tool, thereby unleashing its full potential for studying the human past. Ultimately, we not only underscore the challenges inherent in the sedaDNA field but also provide a research agenda for essential enhancements needed for implementing sedaDNA into the archaeological workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Toykan Özdoğan
- Department of History and Art History, Utrecht University, Drift 6, Utrecht, 3512 BS Netherlands
- Animal Ecology, Wageningen Environmental Research, P.O box 47, Wageningen, Gelderland 6700 AA The Netherlands
| | - Pere Gelabert
- Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna, 1030 Austria
- Human Evolution and Archaeological Sciences (HEAS), University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna, 1030 Austria
| | - Neeke Hammers
- Environmental Archaeology, ADC ArcheoProjecten, Nijverheidsweg-Noord 114, Amersfoort, Utrecht, 3812 PN Netherlands
| | - N. Ezgi Altınışık
- Human-G Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06800 Türkiye
| | - Arjen de Groot
- Animal Ecology, Wageningen Environmental Research, P.O box 47, Wageningen, Gelderland 6700 AA The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Plets
- Department of History and Art History, Utrecht University, Drift 6, Utrecht, 3512 BS Netherlands
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3
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Fuentes A, Espinoza UJ, Cobbs V. Follow the citations: Tracing pathways of "race as biology" assumptions in medical algorithms in eGFR and spirometry. Soc Sci Med 2024; 346:116737. [PMID: 38447335 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the concept of 'race' as a biological unit continues to persist in various scientific disciplines, notably in the field of medicine. This paper explores the persistence of 'race as biology' in medical research via examining select citational practices that have perpetuated this problematic concept. Citations serve as a cornerstone in scientific literature, signifying reliability and expert affirmation. By analyzing citation threads and historical patterns, we aim to shed light on the creation and perpetuation of false scientific truths and their impact on medical research, training, and practice. We focus on two prominent examples, eGFR and Spirometry, and trace key articles' citational histories, highlighting the flawed evidence in support of racial corrections in medical assessments. The eGFR equation incorporates 'race' as a factor based on the erroneous belief that Black individuals have higher muscle mass than white individuals. Our analysis reveals that key cited sources for this belief lack robust and well-developed datasets. Similarly, Spirometry measurements incorporate racial correction factors, relying on questionable evidence dating back to the Civil War era. Citations serve as a cornerstone in scientific literature, signifying reliability and expert affirmation. They play a crucial role in shaping theoretical positions and validating data and assumed knowledge. Evaluating citation threads and key articles consistently referenced over time can reveal how falsehoods and erroneous assertions are constructed and maintained in scientific fields. This study underscores the need for critical examination of citational practices in medical research and urges a shift toward a more cautious approach when citing sources that support 'race as biology.' The paper calls for a reevaluation of pedagogical approaches and assigned readings in medical education to prioritize an anti-racist perspective in future research endeavors.
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4
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Field SM, Thompson J, de Rijcke S, Penders B, Munafò MR. Exploring the dimensions of responsible research systems and cultures: a scoping review. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:230624. [PMID: 38234444 PMCID: PMC10791518 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The responsible conduct of research is foundational to the production of valid and trustworthy research. Despite this, our grasp of what dimensions responsible conduct of research (RCR) might contain-and how it differs across disciplines (i.e. how it is conceptualized and operationalized)-is tenuous. Moreover, many initiatives related to developing and maintaining RCR are developed within disciplinary and institutional silos which naturally limits the benefits that RCR practice can have. To this end, we are working to develop a better understanding of how RCR is conceived and realized, both across disciplines and across institutions in Europe. The first step in doing this is to scope existing knowledge on the topic, of which this scoping review is a part. We searched several electronic databases for relevant published and grey literature. An initial sample of 715 articles was identified, with 75 articles included in the final sample for qualitative analysis. We find several dimensions of RCR that are underemphasized or are excluded from the well-established World Conferences on Research Integrity (WCRI) Singapore Statement on Research Integrity and explore facets of these dimensions that find special relevance in a range of research disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarahanne M. Field
- CWTS, Leiden University, Leiden, Zuid-Holand, The Netherlands
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Pedagogy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sarah de Rijcke
- CWTS, Leiden University, Leiden, Zuid-Holand, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Penders
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Käte Hamburger Kolleg ‘Cultures of Research’ (CoRE), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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5
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Rayfield KM, Mychajliw AM, Singleton RR, Sholts SB, Hofman CA. Uncovering the Holocene roots of contemporary disease-scapes: bringing archaeology into One Health. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230525. [PMID: 38052246 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0525] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The accelerating pace of emerging zoonotic diseases in the twenty-first century has motivated cross-disciplinary collaboration on One Health approaches, combining microbiology, veterinary and environmental sciences, and epidemiology for outbreak prevention and mitigation. Such outbreaks are often caused by spillovers attributed to human activities that encroach on wildlife habitats and ecosystems, such as land use change, industrialized food production, urbanization and animal trade. While the origin of anthropogenic effects on animal ecology and biogeography can be traced to the Late Pleistocene, the archaeological record-a long-term archive of human-animal-environmental interactions-has largely been untapped in these One Health approaches, thus limiting our understanding of these dynamics over time. In this review, we examine how humans, as niche constructors, have facilitated new host species and 'disease-scapes' from the Late Pleistocene to the Anthropocene, by viewing zooarchaeological, bioarchaeological and palaeoecological data with a One Health perspective. We also highlight how new biomolecular tools and advances in the '-omics' can be holistically coupled with archaeological and palaeoecological reconstructions in the service of studying zoonotic disease emergence and re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Rayfield
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology & Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019-0390, USA
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexis M Mychajliw
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology & Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019-0390, USA
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biology & Program in Environmental Studies, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753-6203, USA
| | - Robin R Singleton
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology & Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019-0390, USA
| | - Sabrina B Sholts
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Courtney A Hofman
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology & Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019-0390, USA
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
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6
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Kralick AE, Canington SL, Eller AR, McGrath K. Specimens as individuals: Four interventions and recommendations for great ape skeletal collections research and curation. Evol Anthropol 2023; 32:336-355. [PMID: 37750542 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22002] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Extensive discourse surrounds the ethics of human skeletal research and curation, but there has yet to be a similar discussion of the treatment of great ape skeletal remains, despite the clear interest in their ethical treatment when alive. Here we trace the history of apes who were killed and collected for natural history museums during the early 20th century and showcase how the guiding research questions of the colonial era continue to influence scholarship. We discuss best practices for improving industry and academic standards of research on, and the curation of, ape remains. The suggested interventions involve restoring individual identity and narrative to great apes while engaging with contextual reflexivity and decolonial theory. The resulting recommendations include contextualizing the individual, piecing individuals back together, challenging/questioning the captive-wild dichotomy, and collaborative international conversations. Our objective is to encourage a conversation regarding ethical and theoretical considerations in great ape skeletal remains research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Kralick
- Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie L Canington
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea R Eller
- Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kate McGrath
- Department of Anthropology, SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta, New York, USA
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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7
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Childebayeva A, Zavala EI. Review: Computational analysis of human skeletal remains in ancient DNA and forensic genetics. iScience 2023; 26:108066. [PMID: 37927550 PMCID: PMC10622734 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Degraded DNA is used to answer questions in the fields of ancient DNA (aDNA) and forensic genetics. While aDNA studies typically center around human evolution and past history, and forensic genetics is often more concerned with identifying a specific individual, scientists in both fields face similar challenges. The overlap in source material has prompted periodic discussions and studies on the advantages of collaboration between fields toward mutually beneficial methodological advancements. However, most have been centered around wet laboratory methods (sampling, DNA extraction, library preparation, etc.). In this review, we focus on the computational side of the analytical workflow. We discuss limitations and considerations to consider when working with degraded DNA. We hope this review provides a framework to researchers new to computational workflows for how to think about analyzing highly degraded DNA and prompts an increase of collaboration between the forensic genetics and aDNA fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainash Childebayeva
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Elena I. Zavala
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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8
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Tamburrini C, Dahinten SL, Saihueque RRR, Ávila-Arcos MC, Parolin ML. Towards an ethical and legal framework in archeogenomics: A local case in the Atlantic coast of central Patagonia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 182:161-176. [PMID: 37525572 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Ethical discussions around ancient DNA (aDNA) research predate the technological breakthroughs that led to the accelerated generation of ancient genomic data, revealing a long-due need to address these aspects in the field. Given the diverse conflicts that genomics has raised towards the communities associated with the Non-living Human Ancestors under study, it has been suggested that the ethical and legal implications of genetically studying present-day and ancient human populations should be considered case-by-case. Nevertheless, the discussions have focused on US and European perspectives. To contribute from a local and Latin American position to the problem, we present the history of consensus and disagreement of the relationships between scientists and Indigenous communities of the Atlantic coast of the central Argentinian Patagonia. We describe how these relationships resulted in the approval of a groundbreaking provincial law that acknowledges the Indigenous community's right to be involved in decision-making concerning their Ancestors. In addition, we emphasize how these established relationships allowed the development of aDNA studies. With this background, we address the main ethical concerns of genomic studies of Ancestors identified in the reference literature and commit to applying some of the recommendations suggested in those ethical guidelines. Then, we reflect on possible negative consequences of ongoing research and propose some suggestions based on personal experiences that will contribute to moving the ethical field towards a more contextualized science with a local perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Tamburrini
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus, CCT CONICET-CENPAT), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Silvia Lucrecia Dahinten
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus, CCT CONICET-CENPAT), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Rubén Ricardo Romero Saihueque
- Dirección de Asuntos Indígenas, Subsecretaría de Derechos Humanos, Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia del Chubut, Rawson, Chubut, Argentina
| | - María C Ávila-Arcos
- International Laboratory for Human Genome Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
| | - María Laura Parolin
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus, CCT CONICET-CENPAT), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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9
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Guzmán-Solís AA, Navarro MA, Ávila-Arcos MC, Blanco-Melo D. A Glimpse into the Past: What Ancient Viral Genomes Reveal About Human History. Annu Rev Virol 2023; 10:49-75. [PMID: 37268008 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-111821-123859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Humans have battled viruses for millennia. However, directly linking the symptomatology of disease outbreaks to specific viral pathogens was not possible until the twentieth century. With the advent of the genomic era and the development of advanced protocols for isolation, sequencing, and analysis of ancient nucleic acids from diverse human remains, the identification and characterization of ancient viruses became feasible. Recent studies have provided invaluable information about past epidemics and made it possible to examine assumptions and inferences on the origin and evolution of certain viral families. In parallel, the study of ancient viruses also uncovered their importance in the evolution of the human lineage and their key roles in shaping major events in human history. In this review, we describe the strategies used for the study of ancient viruses, along with their limitations, and provide a detailed account of what past viral infections have revealed about human history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel A Guzmán-Solís
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miguel Alejandro Navarro
- Licenciatura en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- International Laboratory for Human Genome Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México;
| | - María C Ávila-Arcos
- International Laboratory for Human Genome Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México;
| | - Daniel Blanco-Melo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA;
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10
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Harney É, Sirak K, Sedig J, Micheletti S, Curry R, Ancona Esselmann S, Reich D. Ethical considerations when co-analyzing ancient DNA and data from private genetic databases. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1447-1453. [PMID: 37541241 PMCID: PMC10502734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.06.011] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ancient DNA studies have begun to explore the possibility of identifying identical DNA segments shared between historical and living people. This research requires access to large genetic datasets to maximize the likelihood of identifying previously unknown, close genetic connections. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies, such as 23andMe, Inc., manage by far the largest and most diverse genetic databases that can be used for this purpose. It is therefore important to think carefully about guidelines for carrying out collaborations between researchers and such companies. Such collaborations require consideration of ethical issues, including policies for sharing ancient DNA datasets, and ensuring reproducibility of research findings when access to privately controlled genetic datasets is limited. At the same time, they introduce unique possibilities for returning results to the research participants whose data are analyzed, including those who are identified as close genetic relatives of historical individuals, thereby enabling ancient DNA research to contribute to the restoration of information about ancestral connections that were lost over time, which can be particularly meaningful for families and groups where such history has not been well documented. We explore these issues by describing our experience designing and carrying out a study searching for genetic connections between 18th- and 19th-century enslaved and free African Americans who labored at Catoctin Furnace, Maryland, and 23andMe research participants. We share our experience in the hope of helping future researchers navigate similar ethical considerations, recognizing that our perspective is part of a larger conversation about best ethical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éadaoin Harney
- 23andMe, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA 94043, USA; Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Kendra Sirak
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jakob Sedig
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Roslyn Curry
- 23andMe, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA 94043, USA; Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - David Reich
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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11
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Harney É, Micheletti S, Bruwelheide KS, Freyman WA, Bryc K, Akbari A, Jewett E, Comer E, Louis Gates H, Heywood L, Thornton J, Curry R, Ancona Esselmann S, Barca KG, Sedig J, Sirak K, Olalde I, Adamski N, Bernardos R, Broomandkhoshbacht N, Ferry M, Qiu L, Stewardson K, Workman JN, Zalzala F, Mallick S, Micco A, Mah M, Zhang Z, Rohland N, Mountain JL, Owsley DW, Reich D. The genetic legacy of African Americans from Catoctin Furnace. Science 2023; 381:eade4995. [PMID: 37535739 PMCID: PMC10958645 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade4995] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Few African Americans have been able to trace family lineages back to ancestors who died before the 1870 United States Census, the first in which all Black people were listed by name. We analyzed 27 individuals from Maryland's Catoctin Furnace African American Cemetery (1774-1850), identifying 41,799 genetic relatives among consenting research participants in 23andMe, Inc.'s genetic database. One of the highest concentrations of close relatives is in Maryland, suggesting that descendants of the Catoctin individuals remain in the area. We find that many of the Catoctin individuals derived African ancestry from the Wolof or Kongo groups and European ancestry from Great Britain and Ireland. This study demonstrates the power of joint analysis of historical DNA and large datasets generated through direct-to-consumer ancestry testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éadaoin Harney
- 23andMe, Inc.; Sunnyvale, CA 94043, USA
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | | | - Karin S. Bruwelheide
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; Washington DC 20560, USA
| | | | | | - Ali Akbari
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Comer
- Catoctin Furnace Historical Society; Thurmont, MD, 21788, USA
| | - Henry Louis Gates
- Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Linda Heywood
- Department of History/African American Studies, Boston University; Brookline, MA 02446, USA
| | - John Thornton
- Department of History/African American Studies, Boston University; Brookline, MA 02446, USA
| | - Roslyn Curry
- 23andMe, Inc.; Sunnyvale, CA 94043, USA
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | | | - Kathryn G. Barca
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; Washington DC 20560, USA
| | - Jakob Sedig
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kendra Sirak
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Iñigo Olalde
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- BIOMICs Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Ikerbasque—Basque Foundation of Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Nicole Adamski
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rebecca Bernardos
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nasreen Broomandkhoshbacht
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Matthew Ferry
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lijun Qiu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kristin Stewardson
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - J. Noah Workman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fatma Zalzala
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shop Mallick
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Adam Micco
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Matthew Mah
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Nadin Rohland
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Douglas W. Owsley
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; Washington DC 20560, USA
| | - David Reich
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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12
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Pryor Y, Lindo J. Deconstructing Eurocentrism in skin pigmentation research via the incorporation of diverse populations and theoretical perspectives. Evol Anthropol 2023; 32:195-205. [PMID: 37450551 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21993] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of skin pigmentation has been shaped by numerous biological and cultural shifts throughout human history. Vitamin D is considered a driver of depigmentation evolution in humans, given the deleterious health effects associated with vitamin D deficiency, which is often shaped by cultural factors. New advancements in genomics and epigenomics have opened the door to a deeper exploration of skin pigmentation evolution in both contemporary and ancient populations. Data from ancient Europeans has offered great context to the spread of depigmentation alleles via the evaluation of migration events and cultural shifts that occurred during the Neolithic. However, novel insights can further be gained via the inclusion of diverse ancient and contemporary populations. Here we present on how potential biases and limitations in skin pigmentation research can be overcome with the integration of interdisciplinary data that includes both cultural and biological elements, which have shaped the evolutionary history of skin pigmentation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yemko Pryor
- Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John Lindo
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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13
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Klapper M, Hübner A, Ibrahim A, Wasmuth I, Borry M, Haensch VG, Zhang S, Al-Jammal WK, Suma H, Fellows Yates JA, Frangenberg J, Velsko IM, Chowdhury S, Herbst R, Bratovanov EV, Dahse HM, Horch T, Hertweck C, González Morales MR, Straus LG, Vilotijevic I, Warinner C, Stallforth P. Natural products from reconstructed bacterial genomes of the Middle and Upper Paleolithic. Science 2023; 380:619-624. [PMID: 37141315 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf5300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Major advances over the past decade in the field of ancient DNA are providing access to past paleogenomic diversity, but the diverse functions and biosynthetic capabilities of this growing paleome remain largely elusive. Here, we investigated the dental calculus of 12 Neanderthals and 52 anatomically modern humans spanning 100 kya to the present and reconstructed 459 bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). We identified a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) shared by seven Middle and Upper Paleolithic individuals that allows for the heterologous production of a class of previously unknown metabolites we name paleofurans. This paleobiotechnological approach demonstrates that viable biosynthetic machinery can be produced from the preserved genetic material of ancient organisms, allowing access to natural products from the Pleistocene and providing a promising area for natural product exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Klapper
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Hübner
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Associated Research Group of Archaeogenetics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Anan Ibrahim
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ina Wasmuth
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Maxime Borry
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Veit G Haensch
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Shuaibing Zhang
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Walid K Al-Jammal
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Harikumar Suma
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - James A Fellows Yates
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Associated Research Group of Archaeogenetics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jasmin Frangenberg
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Irina M Velsko
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Somak Chowdhury
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Rosa Herbst
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Evgeni V Bratovanov
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Dahse
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Therese Horch
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Manuel Ramon González Morales
- Instituto Internacional de Investigaciones Prehistóricas de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria, 39071 Santander, Spain
| | - Lawrence Guy Straus
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Grupo I+D+i EvoAdapta, Departmento de Ciencias Históricas, Universidad de Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Ivan Vilotijevic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christina Warinner
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Associated Research Group of Archaeogenetics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Pierre Stallforth
- Department of Paleobiotechnology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
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Abstract
This report is the product of a major year-long initiative to acknowledge and reckon with past injustice, as well as progress toward justice, within the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the broader field of human genetics. Approved by the ASHG Board of Directors and launched in 2021, the initiative was sparked by the social and racial reckonings in 2020. The ASHG Bboard of Directors asked ASHG to acknowledge and provide examples of how human genetics theories and knowledge "have been used to feed and justify racism, eugenics, and other systemic forms of injustice, and to focus specifically on examples of ASHG's role in fostering or failing to rebuke harms and on steps the Society could take to address findings." The initiative was undertaken with support and input from an expert panel of human geneticists, historians, clinician-scientists, equity scholars, and social scientists and included a research and environmental scan, four expert panel meetings, and a community dialogue as its main activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daria Turner
- Ripple Effect Communications, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Maya June
- American Society of Human Genetics, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mona V Miller
- American Society of Human Genetics, Rockville, MD, USA
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15
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From collected stamps to hair locks: ethical and legal implications of testing DNA found on privately owned family artifacts. Hum Genet 2023; 142:331-341. [PMID: 36456648 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Biological samples containing DNA that is attributed to deceased relatives, can now undergo genetic testing at a reasonable cost due to revolutionary improvements in sampling, sequencing, and analytical techniques. This artifact DNA testing, or 'artDNA', includes genetic analysis of hair locks, stamps, envelopes with saliva traces or teeth. ArtDNA can reveal valuable information about a deceased relative or one's genetic background, but it also presents novel ethical dilemmas and legal uncertainties for genetic researchers and commercial testing services. In this paper, we provide an analysis of some of the unique ethical and legal risks of such testing and provide needed recommendations for practitioners of private family artDNA testing. ArtDNA testing generates ethical and legal risks regarding the privacy and autonomy of deceased individuals, the rights of living relatives over their ancestor's genetic information, and the rights of living persons to control their own genetic information. To mitigate these risks, practitioners can conduct certain preliminary testing to ascertain the identity of a DNA donor and estimate the time that has elapsed postmortem. Generally, the ethical and legal concerns will be higher when a shorter period has passed between the death of the DNA donor and the time of artifact DNA testing. Regardless, all artDNA testing present some risks, and practitioners should exercise professional judgement as necessary.
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16
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Cortez AD, Lippert D, Davis JL, Nicholas G, Malhi RS, Weyrich LS, Claw KG, Bader AC, Colwell C. Extracting the practices of paleogenomics: A study of ancient DNA labs and research in relation to Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36799477 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The field of paleogenomics has rapidly grown, influencing a range of scientific fields and drawing notice from the public. In the United States, this work is especially salient for Native Americans, who are frequently the subject of ancient DNA analyses, but are less frequently included as researchers, collaborators, or advisors. This article seeks to deepen our understanding of the current state of paleogenomics so that the field can center Indigenous peoples and their experiences, knowledges, and stakes in the research process. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with researchers from three paleogenomics labs located in North America and Europe. We used a responsive interviewing technique where the interview resembled a conversation around a set of questions that could change depending upon the interviewee's answers and experiences. We then employed a theme-based analysis of the interviews. RESULTS Through this analysis, we are able to identify practices in the field related to training, the structuring of labs and projects, consent, data control, Ancestor care, and funding that influence various forms of engagement with Indigenous peoples, and which foster or delimit ethical commitments to descendant communities. DISCUSSION This research not only elucidates contemporary practices in paleogenomics labs but also identifies specific areas of potential intervention to help researchers work toward ethical and collaborative paleogenomic research with Indigenous peoples. Using these results, researchers and community advocates can work toward reorienting the field of paleogenomics toward ethical research with Indigenous peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorothy Lippert
- Repatriation Office, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jenny L Davis
- American Indian Studies, Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - George Nicholas
- Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Ripan S Malhi
- Department of Anthropology, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Laura S Weyrich
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katrina G Claw
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Alyssa C Bader
- Department of Anthropology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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17
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Dalal V, Pasupuleti N, Chaubey G, Rai N, Shinde V. Advancements and Challenges in Ancient DNA Research: Bridging the Global North-South Divide. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:479. [PMID: 36833406 PMCID: PMC9956214 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ancient DNA (aDNA) research first began in 1984 and ever since has greatly expanded our understanding of evolution and migration. Today, aDNA analysis is used to solve various puzzles about the origin of mankind, migration patterns, and the spread of infectious diseases. The incredible findings ranging from identifying the new branches within the human family to studying the genomes of extinct flora and fauna have caught the world by surprise in recent times. However, a closer look at these published results points out a clear Global North and Global South divide. Therefore, through this research, we aim to emphasize encouraging better collaborative opportunities and technology transfer to support researchers in the Global South. Further, the present research also focuses on expanding the scope of the ongoing conversation in the field of aDNA by reporting relevant literature published around the world and discussing the advancements and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasundhra Dalal
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | | | - Gyaneshwer Chaubey
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Niraj Rai
- Ancient DNA Lab, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vasant Shinde
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
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18
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Abstract
The ethics of the scientific study of Ancestors has long been debated by archaeologists, bioanthropologists, and, more recently, ancient DNA (aDNA) researchers. This article responds to the article "Ethics of DNA research on human remains: five globally applicable guidelines" published in 2021 in Nature by a large group of aDNA researchers and collaborators. We argue that these guidelines do not sufficiently consider the interests of community stakeholders, including descendant communities and communities with potential, but yet unestablished, ties to Ancestors. We focus on three main areas of concern with the guidelines. First is the false separation of "scientific" and "community" concerns and the consistent privileging of researcher perspectives over those of community members. Second, the commitment of the guidelines' authors to open data ignores the principles and practice of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Further, the authors argue that involving community members in decisions about publication and data sharing is unethical. We argue that excluding community perspectives on "ethical" grounds is convenient for researchers, but it is not, in fact, ethical. Third, we stress the risks of not consulting communities that have established or potential ties to Ancestors, using two recent examples from the literature. Ancient DNA researchers cannot focus on the lowest common denominator of research practice, the bare minimum that is legally necessary. Instead, they should be leading multidisciplinary efforts to create processes to ensure communities from all regions of the globe are identified and engaged in research that affects them. This will often present challenges, but we see these challenges as part of the research, rather than a distraction from the scientific endeavor. If a research team does not have the capacity to meaningfully engage communities, questions must be asked about the value and benefit of their research.
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19
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Buikstra JE, DeWitte SN, Agarwal SC, Baker BJ, Bartelink EJ, Berger E, Blevins KE, Bolhofner K, Boutin AT, Brickley MB, Buzon MR, de la Cova C, Goldstein L, Gowland R, Grauer AL, Gregoricka LA, Halcrow SE, Hall SA, Hillson S, Kakaliouras AM, Klaus HD, Knudson KJ, Knüsel CJ, Larsen CS, Martin DL, Milner GR, Novak M, Nystrom KC, Pacheco-Forés SI, Prowse TL, Robbins Schug G, Roberts CA, Rothwell JE, Santos AL, Stojanowski C, Stone AC, Stull KE, Temple DH, Torres CM, Toyne JM, Tung TA, Ullinger J, Wiltschke-Schrotta K, Zakrzewski SR. Twenty-first century bioarchaeology: Taking stock and moving forward. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2022; 178 Suppl 74:54-114. [PMID: 36790761 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This article presents outcomes from a Workshop entitled "Bioarchaeology: Taking Stock and Moving Forward," which was held at Arizona State University (ASU) on March 6-8, 2020. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the School of Human Evolution and Social Change (ASU), and the Center for Bioarchaeological Research (CBR, ASU), the Workshop's overall goal was to explore reasons why research proposals submitted by bioarchaeologists, both graduate students and established scholars, fared disproportionately poorly within recent NSF Anthropology Program competitions and to offer advice for increasing success. Therefore, this Workshop comprised 43 international scholars and four advanced graduate students with a history of successful grant acquisition, primarily from the United States. Ultimately, we focused on two related aims: (1) best practices for improving research designs and training and (2) evaluating topics of contemporary significance that reverberate through history and beyond as promising trajectories for bioarchaeological research. Among the former were contextual grounding, research question/hypothesis generation, statistical procedures appropriate for small samples and mixed qualitative/quantitative data, the salience of Bayesian methods, and training program content. Topical foci included ethics, social inequality, identity (including intersectionality), climate change, migration, violence, epidemic disease, adaptability/plasticity, the osteological paradox, and the developmental origins of health and disease. Given the profound changes required globally to address decolonization in the 21st century, this concern also entered many formal and informal discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Buikstra
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Sharon N DeWitte
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sabrina C Agarwal
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Brenda J Baker
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric J Bartelink
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berger
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | - Katelyn Bolhofner
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Alexis T Boutin
- Department of Anthropology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California, USA
| | - Megan B Brickley
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele R Buzon
- Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Carlina de la Cova
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lynne Goldstein
- Department of Anthropology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Anne L Grauer
- Department of Anthropology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lesley A Gregoricka
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Siân E Halcrow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah A Hall
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Simon Hillson
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ann M Kakaliouras
- Department of Anthropology, Whittier College, Whittier, California, USA
| | - Haagen D Klaus
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Kelly J Knudson
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Christopher J Knüsel
- Préhistoire à l'Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, MC, PACEA, UMR5199, F-33615, Pessac, France
| | | | - Debra L Martin
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - George R Milner
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mario Novak
- Center for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kenneth C Nystrom
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, New York, USA
| | | | - Tracy L Prowse
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gwen Robbins Schug
- Environmental Health Program, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Rothwell
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Ana Luisa Santos
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Christopher Stojanowski
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Anne C Stone
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kyra E Stull
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Daniel H Temple
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Christina M Torres
- Department of Anthropology and Heritage Studies, University of California, Merced, USA, and Instituto de Arqueología y Antropología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - J Marla Toyne
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Tiffiny A Tung
- Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jaime Ullinger
- Bioanthropology Research Institute, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, USA
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20
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Hammack-Aviran C, Eilmus A, Diehl C, Gottlieb KG, Gonzales G, Davis LK, Clayton EW. LGBTQ+ Perspectives on Conducting Genomic Research on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Behav Genet 2022; 52:246-267. [PMID: 35614288 PMCID: PMC9132750 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-022-10105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with LGBTQ+-identified individuals (n = 31) to explore the range of LGBTQ+ perspectives on genomic research using either sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI) data. Most interviewees presumed that research would confirm genetic contributions to sexual orientation and gender identity. Primary hopes for such confirmation included validating LGBTQ+ identities, improved access to and quality of healthcare and other resources, and increased acceptance in familial, socio-cultural, and political environments. Areas of concern included threats of pathologizing and medicalizing LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, undermining reproductive rights, gatekeeping of health or social systems, and malicious testing or misuse of genetic results, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. Overall, interviewees were divided on the acceptability of genomic research investigating genetic contributions to sexual orientation and gender identity. Participants emphasized researchers' ethical obligations to LGBTQ+ individuals and endorsed engagement with LGBTQ+ communities throughout all aspects of genomic research using SOGI data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hammack-Aviran
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 400, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Ayden Eilmus
- College of Arts and Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carolyn Diehl
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 400, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | | | - Gilbert Gonzales
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lea K Davis
- Department of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 400, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
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21
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Ávila-Arcos MC, de la Fuente Castro C, Nieves-Colón MA, Raghavan M. Recommendations for Sustainable Ancient DNA Research in the Global South: Voices From a New Generation of Paleogenomicists. Front Genet 2022; 13:880170. [PMID: 35559028 PMCID: PMC9086539 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.880170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Paleogenomics - the study of ancient genomes - has made significant contributions, especially to our understanding of the evolutionary history of humans. This knowledge influx has been a direct result of the coupling of next-generation sequencing with improved methods for DNA recovery and analysis of ancient samples. The appeal of ancient DNA studies in the popular media coupled with the trend for such work to be published in “high impact” journals has driven the amassing of ancestral human remains from global collections, often with limited to no engagement or involvement of local researchers and communities. This practice in the paleogenomics literature has led to limited representation of researchers from the Global South at the research design and subsequent stages. Additionally, Indigenous and descendant communities are often alienated from popular and academic narratives that both involve and impact them, sometimes adversely. While some countries have safeguards against ‘helicopter science’, such as federally regulated measures to protect their biocultural heritage, there is variable oversight in others with regard to sampling and exportation of human remains for destructive research, and differing requirements for accountability or consultation with local researchers and communities. These disparities reveal stark contrasts and gaps in regional policies that lend themselves to persistent colonial practices. While essential critiques and conversations in this sphere are taking place, these are primarily guided through the lens of US-based heritage legislation such as the Native American Graves and Protection Act (NAGPRA). In this article, we aim to expand the scope of ongoing conversations by taking into account diverse regional contexts and challenges drawing from our own research experiences in the field of paleogenomics. We emphasize that true collaborations involve knowledge sharing, capacity building, mutual respect, and equitable participation, all of which take time and the implementation of sustainable research methods; amass-and-publish strategy is simply incompatible with this ethos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Ávila-Arcos
- International Laboratory for Human Genome Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | | | - Maria A Nieves-Colón
- Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Maanasa Raghavan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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22
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Fleskes RE, Bader AC, Tsosie KS, Wagner JK, Claw KG, Garrison NA. Ethical Guidance in Human Paleogenomics: New and Ongoing Perspectives. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:627-652. [PMID: 35537469 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120621-090239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the study of ancient genomes from Ancestral humans, or human paleogenomic research, has expanded rapidly in both scale and scope. Ethical discourse has subsequently emerged to address issues of social responsibility and scientific robusticity in conducting research. Here, we highlight and contextualize the primary sources of professional ethical guidance aimed at paleogenomic researchers. We describe the tension among existing guidelines, while addressing core issues such as consent, destructive research methods, and data access and management. Currently, there is a dissonance between guidelines that focus on scientific outcomes and those that hold scientists accountable to stakeholder communities, such as descendants. Thus, we provide additional tools to navigate the complexities of ancient DNA research while centering engagement with stakeholder communities in the scientific process. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel E Fleskes
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Alyssa C Bader
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA; .,Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, Alaska, USA
| | - Krystal S Tsosie
- Native BioData Consortium, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, USA; .,College of Arts and Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer K Wagner
- School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs; Institute for Computational and Data Sciences; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Katrina G Claw
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA;
| | - Nanibaa' A Garrison
- Institute for Society and Genetics, Institute for Precision Health, and Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA;
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23
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Menéndez LP, Paul KS, de la Fuente C, Almeida T, Delgado M, Figueiro G, Jorgensen K, Kuzminsky S, López-Sosa MC, Nichols J, Roksandic M, Scott GR, O'Rourke D, Hubbe M. Towards an interdisciplinary perspective for the study of human expansions and biocultural diversity in the Americas. Evol Anthropol 2022; 31:62-68. [PMID: 35043498 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lumila P Menéndez
- Department of Anthropology of the Americas, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Theoretical Biology Unit, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathleen S Paul
- Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Tatiana Almeida
- Clinical Laboratory & BigData and Analytics, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Estudos em Antropologia Biológica, Bioarqueologia e Evolução Humana, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Miguel Delgado
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), República Argentina (CONICET), División Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, República Argentina.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gonzalo Figueiro
- Departamento de Antropología Biológica, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Kelsey Jorgensen
- Department of Anthropology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Susan Kuzminsky
- Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico, USA.,Anthropology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | | | - Johanna Nichols
- Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Mirjana Roksandic
- Department of Anthropology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Dennis O'Rourke
- Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Mark Hubbe
- Department of Anthropology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Instituto de Arqueología y Antropología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
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24
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Argüelles JM, Fuentes A, Yáñez B. Analyzing asymmetries and praxis in aDNA research: A bioanthropological critique. AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aman.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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25
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Epigenomic Modifications in Modern and Ancient Genomes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020178. [PMID: 35205223 PMCID: PMC8872240 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes have been identified as a major driver of fundamental metabolic pathways. More specifically, the importance of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms for biological processes like speciation and embryogenesis has been well documented and revealed the direct link between epigenetic modifications and various diseases. In this review, we focus on epigenetic changes in animals with special attention on human DNA methylation utilizing ancient and modern genomes. Acknowledging the latest developments in ancient DNA research, we further discuss paleoepigenomic approaches as the only means to infer epigenetic changes in the past. Investigating genome-wide methylation patterns of ancient humans may ultimately yield in a more comprehensive understanding of how our ancestors have adapted to the changing environment, and modified their lifestyles accordingly. We discuss the difficulties of working with ancient DNA in particular utilizing paleoepigenomic approaches, and assess new paleoepigenomic data, which might be helpful in future studies.
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26
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Mercado J, Lawrence JZ, Moore M, Neogi A, Vig H. A call for unity in DEIJ efforts using a proposed framework for education, Recruitment, Retainment, Research, and Active outreach (ERA) for genetic counselors in the United States. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:590-597. [PMID: 35006622 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counselors, like many other healthcare providers, play a vital role in genomic health care. As a profession, we, along with our colleagues and students, have recognized the need to improve and incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within our daily ways of practice to help create access to genomic technologies. In order to create systemic change and focus on unity, open communication, and transparency, we introduce a suggested framework called ERA (Education, Recruitment, Retainment, Research, and Active Outreach). This framework would benefit a genetic counselor throughout various stages of their career, from student to practicing genetic counselor, and can be broadly applied to all specialties of genomic medicine. Different iterations of DEIJ efforts have arisen in the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), from the D&I (Diversity and Inclusion) Task Force to the J.E.D.I (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) committee. The lack of recorded history of these previous efforts and the lack of communication between current DEIJ organizations is one of the many reasons the ERA framework demands unity and transparency to achieve sustainable positive change. Genetic counselors must unite and work collaboratively to conduct and promote DEIJ efforts, so the benefits of genomic medicine can be realized by all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mercado
- Genome Medical, South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Genomic Technologies Special Interest Group
| | - Janette Z Lawrence
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Cultural Representation and Outreach Subcommittee, NSGC
| | - Michelle Moore
- International Special Interest Group.,Sanford Imagenetics, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.,Laboratory/Industry Special Interest Group
| | - Arpita Neogi
- International Special Interest Group.,Internal Medicine-Cardiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hetal Vig
- Genomic Technologies Special Interest Group.,Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
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27
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Pedersen MW, Antunes C, De Cahsan B, Moreno-Mayar JV, Sikora M, Vinner L, Mann D, Klimov PB, Black S, Michieli CT, Braig HR, Perotti MA. Ancient human genomes and environmental DNA from the cement attaching 2,000 year-old head lice nits. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 39:6481551. [PMID: 34963129 PMCID: PMC8829908 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been a growing demand for genome analysis of ancient human remains. Destructive sampling is increasingly difficult to obtain for ethical reasons, and standard methods of breaking the skull to access the petrous bone or sampling remaining teeth are often forbidden for curatorial reasons. However, most ancient humans carried head lice and their eggs abound in historical hair specimens. Here we show that host DNA is protected by the cement that glues head lice nits to the hair of ancient Argentinian mummies, 1,500–2,000 years old. The genetic affinities deciphered from genome-wide analyses of this DNA inform that this population migrated from north-west Amazonia to the Andes of central-west Argentina; a result confirmed using the mitochondria of the host lice. The cement preserves ancient environmental DNA of the skin, including the earliest recorded case of Merkel cell polyomavirus. We found that the percentage of human DNA obtained from nit cement equals human DNA obtained from the tooth, yield 2-fold compared with a petrous bone, and 4-fold to a bloodmeal of adult lice a millennium younger. In metric studies of sheaths, the length of the cement negatively correlates with the age of the specimens, whereas hair linear distance between nit and scalp informs about the environmental conditions at the time before death. Ectoparasitic lice sheaths can offer an alternative, nondestructive source of high-quality ancient DNA from a variety of host taxa where bones and teeth are not available and reveal complementary details of their history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel W Pedersen
- GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Catia Antunes
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Binia De Cahsan
- GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Víctor Moreno-Mayar
- GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Sikora
- GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Vinner
- GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Darren Mann
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel B Klimov
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Stuart Black
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Wager Building, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Catalina Teresa Michieli
- Instituto de Investigaciones Arqueológicas y Museo "Prof. Mariano Gambier", Universidad Nacional de San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
| | - Henk R Braig
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom.,Institute and Museum of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, National University of San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
| | - M Alejandra Perotti
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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28
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Abstract
Like modern metagenomics, ancient metagenomics is a highly data-rich discipline, with the added challenge that the DNA of interest is degraded and, depending on the sample type, in low abundance. This requires the application of specialized measures during molecular experiments and computational analyses. Furthermore, researchers often work with finite sample sizes, which impedes optimal experimental design and control of confounding factors, and with ethically sensitive samples necessitating the consideration of additional guidelines. In September 2020, early career researchers in the field of ancient metagenomics met (Standards, Precautions & Advances in Ancient Metagenomics 2 [SPAAM2] community meeting) to discuss the state of the field and how to address current challenges. Here, in an effort to bridge the gap between ancient and modern metagenomics, we highlight and reflect upon some common misconceptions, provide a brief overview of the challenges in our field, and point toward useful resources for potential reviewers and newcomers to the field.
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29
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Smith RW, Non AL. Assessing the achievements and uncertain future of paleoepigenomics. Epigenomics 2021; 14:167-173. [PMID: 34850636 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rick Wa Smith
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Amy L Non
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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30
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Ethics of DNA research on human remains: five globally applicable guidelines. Nature 2021; 599:41-46. [PMID: 34671160 PMCID: PMC7612683 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We are a group of archaeologists, anthropologists, curators and geneticists representing diverse global communities and 31 countries. All of us met in a virtual workshop dedicated to ethics in ancient DNA research held in November 2020. There was widespread agreement that globally applicable ethical guidelines are needed, but that recent recommendations grounded in discussion about research on human remains from North America are not always generalizable worldwide. Here we propose the following globally applicable guidelines, taking into consideration diverse contexts. These hold that: (1) researchers must ensure that all regulations were followed in the places where they work and from which the human remains derived; (2) researchers must prepare a detailed plan prior to beginning any study; (3) researchers must minimize damage to human remains; (4) researchers must ensure that data are made available following publication to allow critical re-examination of scientific findings; and (5) researchers must engage with other stakeholders from the beginning of a study and ensure respect and sensitivity to stakeholder perspectives. We commit to adhering to these guidelines and expect they will promote a high ethical standard in DNA research on human remains going forward.
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31
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Haelewaters D, Hofmann TA, Romero-Olivares AL. Ten simple rules for Global North researchers to stop perpetuating helicopter research in the Global South. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009277. [PMID: 34411090 PMCID: PMC8376010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Haelewaters
- Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Herbario UCH, Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, David, Panama
| | - Tina A. Hofmann
- Herbario UCH, Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, David, Panama
| | - Adriana L. Romero-Olivares
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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32
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A Standardized Approach for Shotgun Metagenomic Analysis of Ancient Dental Calculus. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34410642 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1518-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Ancient dental calculus provides a challenging, yet unparalleled, opportunity to reconstruct ancient oral microbial communities and trace the origins of modern microbiota-associated diseases. Metagenomic analysis of ancient dental calculus using high-throughput DNA sequencing has proven itself as an effective method to accurately reconstruct microorganisms that once lived in the mouths of ancient humans. Here, we provide the strategy, methodologies, and approaches used to establish an ancient dental calculus project, from project conception, community engagement, sampling, extracting DNA, and preparing shotgun metagenomic DNA libraries for sequencing on an Illumina platform. We also discuss techniques to minimize background or contaminant DNA by monitoring and reducing contamination in calculus data sets, utilizing appropriate protective gear, and employing the use of sample decontamination strategies. In this methodology chapter, we hope to promote transparency in the ancient dental calculus research field and encourage collaboration across the ancient DNA research community.
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33
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Mudd-Martin G, Cirino AL, Barcelona V, Fox K, Hudson M, Sun YV, Taylor JY, Cameron VA. Considerations for Cardiovascular Genetic and Genomic Research With Marginalized Racial and Ethnic Groups and Indigenous Peoples: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. CIRCULATION-GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE 2021; 14:e000084. [PMID: 34304578 DOI: 10.1161/hcg.0000000000000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups and Indigenous peoples are burdened by significant health inequities that are compounded by their underrepresentation in genetic and genomic research. Of all genome-wide association study participants, ≈79% are of European descent, despite this group constituting only 16% of the global population. For underrepresented populations, polygenic risk scores derived from these studies are less accurate in predicting disease phenotypes, novel population-specific genetic variations may be misclassified as potentially pathogenic, and there is a lack of understanding of how different populations metabolize drugs. Although inclusion of marginalized racial and ethnic groups and Indigenous peoples in genetic and genomic research is crucial, scientific studies must be guided by ethical principles of respect, honesty, justice, reciprocity, and care for individuals and communities. Special considerations are needed to support research that benefits the scientific community as well as Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups. Before a project begins, collaboration with community leaders and agencies can lead to successful implementation of the study. Throughout the study, consideration must be given to issues such as implications of informed consent for individuals and communities, dissemination of findings through scientific and community avenues, and implications of community identity for data governance and sharing. Attention to these issues is critical, given historical harms in biomedical research that marginalized groups and Indigenous peoples have suffered. Conducting genetic and genomic research in partnership with Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups guided by ethical principles provides a pathway for scientific advances that will enhance prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease for everyone.
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34
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Willerslev E, Meltzer DJ. Peopling of the Americas as inferred from ancient genomics. Nature 2021; 594:356-364. [PMID: 34135521 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03499-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In less than a decade, analyses of ancient genomes have transformed our understanding of the Indigenous peopling and population history of the Americas. These studies have shown that this history, which began in the late Pleistocene epoch and continued episodically into the Holocene epoch, was far more complex than previously thought. It is now evident that the initial dispersal involved the movement from northeast Asia of distinct and previously unknown populations, including some for whom there are no currently known descendants. The first peoples, once south of the continental ice sheets, spread widely, expanded rapidly and branched into multiple populations. Their descendants-over the next fifteen millennia-experienced varying degrees of isolation, admixture, continuity and replacement, and their genomes help to illuminate the relationships among major subgroups of Native American populations. Notably, all ancient individuals in the Americas, save for later-arriving Arctic peoples, are more closely related to contemporary Indigenous American individuals than to any other population elsewhere, which challenges the claim-which is based on anatomical evidence-that there was an early, non-Native American population in the Americas. Here we review the patterns revealed by ancient genomics that help to shed light on the past peoples who created the archaeological landscape, and together lead to deeper insights into the population and cultural history of the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eske Willerslev
- GeoGenetics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David J Meltzer
- Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA.
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35
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Erickson RP. Autosomal recessive diseases among the Athabaskans of the southwestern United States: anthropological, medical, and scientific aspects. J Appl Genet 2021; 62:445-453. [PMID: 33880741 PMCID: PMC8057858 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-021-00630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The peopling of the Americas by Native Americans occurred in 4 waves of which the last was Nadene language speakers of whom Athabaskans are the largest group. As the Europeans were entering the Southwestern states of the USA, Athabaskan hunting-gathering tribes were migrating South from Canada along the Rocky Mountains and undergoing potential bottlenecks reflected in autosomal recessive diseases shared by Apaches and Navajos. About 300 years ago, the Navajo developing a sedentary culture learned from Pueblo Indians while the Apache remained hunter-gathers. Although most of the tribe was rounded up and forced to relocate to Bosque Redondo, the adult breeding population was large enough to prevent a genetic bottleneck. However, some Navajo underwent further population bottlenecks while hiding from the brutal US Army action (under Kit Carson’s guidance). This led to an increased frequency of other autosomal recessive diseases. Recent advances in population genetics, pathophysiology of the diseases, and social/ethical issues concerning their study are reviewed.
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36
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Fellows Yates JA, Andrades Valtueña A, Vågene ÅJ, Cribdon B, Velsko IM, Borry M, Bravo-Lopez MJ, Fernandez-Guerra A, Green EJ, Ramachandran SL, Heintzman PD, Spyrou MA, Hübner A, Gancz AS, Hider J, Allshouse AF, Zaro V, Warinner C. Community-curated and standardised metadata of published ancient metagenomic samples with AncientMetagenomeDir. Sci Data 2021; 8:31. [PMID: 33500403 PMCID: PMC7838265 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-021-00816-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ancient DNA and RNA are valuable data sources for a wide range of disciplines. Within the field of ancient metagenomics, the number of published genetic datasets has risen dramatically in recent years, and tracking this data for reuse is particularly important for large-scale ecological and evolutionary studies of individual taxa and communities of both microbes and eukaryotes. AncientMetagenomeDir (archived at 10.5281/zenodo.3980833) is a collection of annotated metagenomic sample lists derived from published studies that provide basic, standardised metadata and accession numbers to allow rapid data retrieval from online repositories. These tables are community-curated and span multiple sub-disciplines to ensure adequate breadth and consensus in metadata definitions, as well as longevity of the database. Internal guidelines and automated checks facilitate compatibility with established sequence-read archives and term-ontologies, and ensure consistency and interoperability for future meta-analyses. This collection will also assist in standardising metadata reporting for future ancient metagenomic studies. Measurement(s) | genome • Metagenome • Metadata • Ancient DNA | Technology Type(s) | digital curation | Factor Type(s) | geographic location • sample age |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.13241537
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Fellows Yates
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany. .,Institut für Vor- und Frühgeschichtliche Archäologie und Provinzialrömische Archäologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, 80539, Germany.
| | - Aida Andrades Valtueña
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Åshild J Vågene
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 1350, Denmark
| | - Becky Cribdon
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Irina M Velsko
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Maxime Borry
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam J Bravo-Lopez
- International Laboratory for Human Genome Research, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Antonio Fernandez-Guerra
- Section for GeoGenetics, GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 1350, Denmark.,Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, 28359, Germany
| | - Eleanor J Green
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.,Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter D Heintzman
- The Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, 9037, Norway
| | - Maria A Spyrou
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Hübner
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Abigail S Gancz
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jessica Hider
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, L8S4L9, Canada.,McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, L8S4L10, Canada
| | - Aurora F Allshouse
- Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Max Planck-Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Valentina Zaro
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, 50122, Italy
| | - Christina Warinner
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany. .,Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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37
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Friedlaender JS, Tucci S. Human Migrations: Tales of the Pacific. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R1478-R1481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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