1
|
Koenig C, Bortel P, Paterson RS, Rendl B, Madupe PP, Troché GB, Hermann NV, Martínez de Pinillos M, Martinón-Torres M, Mularczyk S, Schjellerup Jørkov ML, Gerner C, Kanz F, Martinez-Val A, Cappellini E, Olsen JV. Automated High-Throughput Biological Sex Identification from Archeological Human Dental Enamel Using Targeted Proteomics. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 39324540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00557] [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: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex is key information for archeological and forensic studies, which can be determined by proteomics. However, the lack of a standardized approach for fast and accurate sex identification currently limits the reach of proteomics applications. Here, we introduce a streamlined mass spectrometry (MS)-based workflow for the determination of biological sex using human dental enamel. Our approach builds on a minimally invasive sampling strategy by acid etching, a rapid online liquid chromatography (LC) gradient coupled to a high-resolution parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay allowing for a throughput of 200 samples per day (SPD) with high quantitative performance enabling confident identification of both males and females. Additionally, we developed a streamlined data analysis pipeline and integrated it into a Shiny interface for ease of use. The method was first developed and optimized using modern teeth and then validated in an independent set of deciduous teeth of known sex. Finally, the assay was successfully applied to archeological material, enabling the analysis of over 300 individuals. We demonstrate unprecedented performance and scalability, speeding up MS analysis by 10-fold compared to conventional proteomics-based sex identification methods. This work paves the way for large-scale archeological or forensic studies enabling the investigation of entire populations rather than focusing on individual high-profile specimens. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD049326.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Koenig
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patricia Bortel
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str.38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ryan S Paterson
- Geogenetics Section, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Rendl
- Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Palesa P Madupe
- Geogenetics Section, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gaudry B Troché
- Geogenetics Section, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nuno Vibe Hermann
- Pediatric Dentistry and Clinical Genetics, Department of Odontology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marina Martínez de Pinillos
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos 09002, Spain
| | - María Martinón-Torres
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos 09002, Spain
- Department of Anthropology, University College London (UCL), 14 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BW, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Mularczyk
- Laboratory of Biological Anthropology, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1307 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str.38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Str.38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Kanz
- Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Martinez-Val
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Enrico Cappellini
- Geogenetics Section, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper V Olsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kotli P, Morgenstern D, Bocquentin F, Khalaily H, Horwitz LK, Boaretto E. A label-free quantification method for assessing sex from modern and ancient bovine tooth enamel. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18195. [PMID: 39107380 PMCID: PMC11303769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of the sex of modern, fossil and archaeological animal remains offers many insights into their demography, mortality profiles and domestication pathways. However, due to many-factors, sex determination of osteological remains is often problematic. To overcome this, we have developed an innovative protocol to determine an animal's sex from tooth enamel, by applying label-free quantification (LFQ) of two unique AmelY peptides 'LRYPYP' (AmelY;[M+2]2 + 404.7212 m/z) and 'LRYPYPSY' (AmelY;[M+2]2 + 529.7689 m/z) that are only present in the enamel of males. We applied this method to eight modern cattle (Bos taurus) of known sex, and correctly assigned them to sex. We then applied the same protocol to twelve archaeological Bos teeth from the Neolithic site of Beisamoun, Israel (8-th-7-th millennium BC) and determined the sex of the archaeological samples. Since teeth are usually better preserved than bones, this innovative protocol has potential to facilitate sex determination in ancient and modern bovine remains that currently cannot be sexed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Kotli
- Scientific Archaeology and D-REAMS Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, Weizmann Institute of Science, 760001, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - David Morgenstern
- Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine G-INCPM, Weizmann Institute of Science, 760001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Fanny Bocquentin
- CNRS, UMR 8068 TEMPS, MSH Mondes-Bâtiment Ginouvès, 21 allée de l'université, 92023, Nanterre Cedex, France
| | | | - Liora Kolska Horwitz
- National Natural History Collections, E. Safra-Givat Ram Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 96194, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elisabetta Boaretto
- Scientific Archaeology and D-REAMS Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, Weizmann Institute of Science, 760001, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Forshaw R. Windows into the past: recent scientific techniques in dental analysis. Br Dent J 2024; 236:205-211. [PMID: 38332093 PMCID: PMC10853062 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-7053-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Teeth are the hardest and most chemically stable tissues in the body, are well-preserved in archaeological remains and, being resistant to decomposition in the soil, survive long after their supporting structures have deteriorated. It has long been recognised that visual and radiographic examination of teeth can provide considerable information relating to the lifestyle of an individual. This paper examines the latest scientific approaches that have become available to investigate recent and ancient teeth. These techniques include DNA analysis, which can be used to determine the sex of an individual, indicate familial relationships, study population movements, provide phylogenetic information and identify the presence of disease pathogens. A stable isotopic approach can shed light on aspects of diet and mobility and even research climate change. Proteomic analysis of ancient dental calculus can reveal specific information about individual diets. Synchrotron microcomputed tomography is a non-invasive technique which can be used to visualise physiological impactful events, such as parturition, menopause and diseases in cementum microstructure - these being displayed as aberrant growth lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Forshaw
- KNH Centre for Biomedical Egyptology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Snoddy AME, Shaw H, Newman S, Miszkiewicz JJ, Stewart NA, Jakob T, Buckley H, Caffell A, Gowland R. Vitamin D status in post-medieval Northern England: Insights from dental histology and enamel peptide analysis at Coach Lane, North Shields (AD 1711-1857). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296203. [PMID: 38295005 PMCID: PMC10830048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The post-medieval period in Europe saw a dramatic increase in metabolic bone disease related to vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Recent paleopathological work has utilized interglobular dentin (IGD) as a proxy for poor vitamin D status during development, while enamel peptide analysis allows the identification of chromosomal sex in non-adult remains. Here we explore the relationship between sex, the presence of IGD, and macroscopic markers of VDD in an industrial era assemblage from Northeast England. MATERIALS AND METHODS 25 individuals (9 females, 9 males, 9 unknown sex) from the cemetery site at Coach Lane, North Shields (1711-1857) were selected for paleopathological analysis, histological assessment of IGD, and enamel peptide determination of chromosomal sex. RESULTS Ground tooth sections from 21 individuals were of suitable quality for detection of IGD, and enamel peptide analysis confirmed the chromosomal sex of ten individuals. Sixteen individuals (76.1%) exhibited ≥1 episode of IGD. Nine of these (42.8%) exhibited >1 episode and four (19%) exhibited ≥4 episodes in regular intervals. Male sex was significantly associated with the presence of IGD (p = 0.0351; 100% males vs. 54.5% females). Females were more likely to exhibit macroscopic evidence of VDD (45.5% females vs 30% males) but this was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Periods of poor mineral metabolism during childhood appear much more prevalent at Coach Lane than macroscopic evidence suggests. Evidence of seasonal IGD episodes indicates that northern latitude played a major role in poor VD status in the Northeast of England. The significant association of IGD with male sex may be due to sex-related differences in dentinal mineralization or a higher risk of poor VD status in males aged <5 years. More work is needed to establish an evidence-based threshold for pathological levels of IGD before the presence of this feature can confidently be used as a biomarker for poor VD status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Shaw
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Newman
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicolas A. Stewart
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Tina Jakob
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Hallie Buckley
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Anwen Caffell
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Gowland
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rogers LM, Halcrow SE, Kleffmann T, King CL. Comparing Walker's (2008) skull trait sex estimation standard to proteomic sex estimation for a group of South Asian individuals. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2024; 8:100450. [PMID: 38314398 PMCID: PMC10837481 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2023.100450] [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] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
This research assesses the potential for misidentification of sex in individuals of South Asian ancestry using the Walker (2008) morphological skull sex estimation standard [1]. Chromosomal sex was assessed using proteomic analysis targeting sex chromosome-specific amylogenic peptides. Results showed that the Walker method produced incorrect classification for 36.7 % of individuals. Overwhelmingly, those incorrectly assigned were chromosomally male. Misidentification was due to males within the group having lower trait scores (i.e., more gracile traits) than the standard would predict. There was also a high level of overlap in trait scores between male and females indicating reduced expression of sexual dimorphism. The use of established multivariate statistical techniques improved accuracy of sex estimation in some cases, but larger osteological data sets from South Asian individuals are required to develop population-specific standards. We suggest that peptide analysis may provide a useful tool for the forensic anthropologist when assessing sex in populations without population specific osteological standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Rogers
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Siân E Halcrow
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Torsten Kleffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte L King
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sudron EL, Kinaston RL, Cawte H, Kleffmann T, Kumar A, Kramer R, Stirling C, Reid M, Barr D, McStay A, Lawrence M, King K, Halcrow SE. Extracting the truth through chemical analyses: Early life histories of Victorian-era dental patients in Aotearoa New Zealand. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:141-156. [PMID: 37925739 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24863] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are few bioarcheological analyses of life experiences in colonial period Aotearoa New Zealand, despite this being a time of major adaptation and social change. In our study, early life histories are constructed from multi-isotope and enamel peptide analysis of permanent first molars associated with Victorian era dental practices operating between AD 1881 and 1905 in Invercargill. Chemical analyses of the teeth provide insight into the childhood feeding practices, diet, and mobility of the people who had their teeth extracted. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four permanent left mandibular first molars were analyzed from a cache of teeth discovered at the Leviathan Gift Depot site during excavations in 2019. The methods used were: (1) enamel peptide analysis to assess chromosomal sex; (2) bulk (δ13 Ccarbonate ) and incremental (δ13 Ccollagen and δ15 N) isotope analysis of dentin to assess childhood diet; and (3) strontium (87 Sr/86 Sr) and oxygen (δ18 O) isotope analysis of enamel to assess childhood residency. Two modern permanent first molars from known individuals were analyzed as controls. RESULTS The archaeological teeth were from three chromosomal males and one female. The protein and whole diets were predominately based on C3 -plants and domestic animal products (meat and milk). A breastfeeding signal was only identified in one historic male. All individuals likely had childhood residences in Aotearoa. DISCUSSION Unlike most bioarcheological studies that rely on the remains of the dead, the teeth analysed in this study were extracted from living people. We suggest that the dental patients were likely second or third generation colonists to Aotearoa, with fairly similar childhood diets. They were potentially lower-class individuals either living in, or passing through, the growing colonial center of Invercargill.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Sudron
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
- Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Kinaston
- Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
- BioArch South, Waitati, New Zealand
| | - Hayden Cawte
- New Zealand Heritage Properties, Dunedin and Invercargill, New Zealand
| | - Torsten Kleffmann
- Centre for Protein Research, Research Infrastructure Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- North Region Environmental, California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robyn Kramer
- Centre for Trace Element Analysis, Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Claudine Stirling
- Centre for Trace Element Analysis, Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Malcolm Reid
- Centre for Trace Element Analysis, Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David Barr
- Centre for Trace Element Analysis, Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Amy McStay
- New Zealand Heritage Properties, Dunedin and Invercargill, New Zealand
| | - Megan Lawrence
- New Zealand Heritage Properties, Dunedin and Invercargill, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn King
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Siân E Halcrow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shaw B, Foggin S, Hamilton-Stanley P, Barlow A, Pickard C, Fibiger L, Oldham N, Tighe P, Kootker LM, Schrader S, Layfield R. Antibody-based sex determination of human skeletal remains. iScience 2023; 26:108191. [PMID: 37953951 PMCID: PMC10632104 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108191] [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] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Assignment of biological sex to skeletal remains is critical in the accurate reconstruction of the past. Analysis of sex-chromosome encoded AMELX and AMELY peptides from the enamel protein amelogenin underpins a minimally destructive mass spectrometry (MS) method for sex determination of human remains. However, access to such specialist approaches limits applicability. As a convenient alternative, we generated antibodies that distinguish human AMELX and AMELY. Purified antibodies demonstrated high selectivity and quantitative detection against synthetic peptides by ELISA. Using acid etches of enamel from post-medieval skeletons, antibody determinations corrected osteological uncertainties and matched parallel MS, and for Bronze Age samples where only enamel was preserved, also matched MS analyses. Toward improved throughput, automated stations were applied to analyze 19th-century teeth where sex of individuals was documented, confirming MS can be bypassed. Our immunological tools should underpin development of routine, economical, high-throughput methods for sex determination, potentially even in a field setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barry Shaw
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sophie Foggin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Andy Barlow
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catriona Pickard
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Linda Fibiger
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil Oldham
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Patrick Tighe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lisette M. Kootker
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Schrader
- Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Layfield
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Granja R, Araújo AC, Lugli F, Silvestrini S, Silva AM, Gonçalves D. Unbalanced sex-ratio in the Neolithic individuals from the Escoural Cave (Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal) revealed by peptide analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19902. [PMID: 37964077 PMCID: PMC10646114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47037-4] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex profile estimation of pre-historic communities is often complicated by the commingled and scattered nature of skeletal assemblages. Demographic profiles are usually lacking and provide very truncated representations of these populations but proteomic analysis of sex-specific amelogenin peptides in tooth enamel brings new promise to these studies. The main objective was to obtain the sex profile of the human assemblage recovered from the Neolithic cave-necropolis of Escoural (Montemor-o-Novo, southern Portugal) through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The secondary objective was to analyse sex-specific linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH), and to test the reliability of canine odontometric sex estimation. Sex estimation through peptide analysis was carried out in 36 left permanent canines which were macroscopically examined for the presence of LEH. The canine buccolingual diameter was used for odontometric sex estimation. The obtained sex ratio (0.5:1, M:F) is biased to female individuals, probably due to cultural factors since the natural sex ratio of the human population falls between 0.95:1 and 1.02:1 (M:F). A high frequency of LEH was observed, but with no significant sexual differences (p = 0.554). The mean LEH age of onset occurred at 3 years of age, with no significant differences between the sexes (p = 0.116), and was possibly related to the weaning process. Odontometric sex estimation revealed a correct classification of 80%, with a high number of males mistakenly attributed to females. This study is one of the largest samples subjected to peptide analysis, and thus demonstrates its usefulness on the research of commingled and scattered skeletal assemblages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Granja
- Laboratory of Archaeosciences (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), Direção-Geral do Património Cultural, Calçada do Mirante à Ajuda n.º 10, 1300-418, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centre for Archaeology, University of Lisbon (UNIARQ), Faculty of Humanities, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1600-214, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Cristina Araújo
- Laboratory of Archaeosciences (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), Direção-Geral do Património Cultural, Calçada do Mirante à Ajuda n.º 10, 1300-418, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Archaeology, University of Lisbon (UNIARQ), Faculty of Humanities, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1600-214, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Federico Lugli
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Institut für Geowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- BONES Lab, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via Degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Sara Silvestrini
- BONES Lab, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via Degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Ana Maria Silva
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Archaeology, University of Lisbon (UNIARQ), Faculty of Humanities, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1600-214, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology-Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Archaeosciences (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), Direção-Geral do Património Cultural, Calçada do Mirante à Ajuda n.º 10, 1300-418, Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology-Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Olszewski J, Hall RA, Kootker LM, Oldham NJ, Layfield R, Shaw B, Derksen L, Manders M, Hart T, Schrader SA. Osteological, multi-isotope and proteomic analysis of poorly-preserved human remains from a Dutch East India Company burial ground in South Africa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14666. [PMID: 37673940 PMCID: PMC10482838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41503-9] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal remains discovered in Simon's Town, South Africa, were hypothesised as being associated with a former Dutch East India Company (VOC) hospital. We report a novel combined osteological and biochemical approach to these poorly-preserved remains. A combined strontium (87Sr/86Sr), oxygen (δ18OVPDB) and carbon (δ13CVPDB) isotope analysis informed possible childhood origins and diet, while sex-specific amelogenin enamel peptides revealed biological sex. Osteological analyses presented evidence of residual rickets, a healed trauma, dental pathological conditions, and pipe notches. The combined isotope analyses yielded results for 43 individuals which suggested a diverse range of geological origins, including at least 16% of the population being non-local. The inclusion of δ13CVPDB had intriguing implications for three individuals who likely did not have origins in the Cape Town region nor in Europe. Peptide analysis on the dental enamel of 25 tested individuals confirmed they were all biologically male. We suggest that isolated enamel may provide crucial information about individuals' pathological conditions, geographical origins, diet, and biological sex. These data further demonstrated that a combined approach using multiple osteological and biochemical methods is advantageous for human remains which are poorly preserved and can contextualise a site with little direct evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judyta Olszewski
- Laboratory of Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Applied English Studies, Faculty of Arts, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong.
| | - Rachael A Hall
- Laboratory of Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette M Kootker
- Department of Earth Sciences, Geology and Geochemistry Cluster, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- CLUE+ Research Institute for Culture, History and Heritage, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil J Oldham
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Robert Layfield
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Barry Shaw
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Leon Derksen
- Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, International Maritime Heritage, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Manders
- Laboratory of Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, International Maritime Heritage, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Hart
- ACO Associates, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah A Schrader
- Laboratory of Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cintas-Peña M, Luciañez-Triviño M, Montero Artús R, Bileck A, Bortel P, Kanz F, Rebay-Salisbury K, García Sanjuán L. Amelogenin peptide analyses reveal female leadership in Copper Age Iberia (c. 2900-2650 BC). Sci Rep 2023; 13:9594. [PMID: 37414858 PMCID: PMC10326254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the absence of written records, the main source of information available to analyze gender inequalities in early complex societies is the human body itself. And yet, for decades, archaeologists have struggled with the sex estimation of poorly preserved human remains. Here we present an exceptional case study that shows how ground-breaking new scientific methods may address this problem. Through the analysis of sexually dimorphic amelogenin peptides in tooth enamel, we establish that the most socially prominent person of the Iberian Copper Age (c. 3200-2200 BC) was not male, as previously thought, but female. The analysis of this woman, discovered in 2008 at Valencina, Spain, reveals that she was a leading social figure at a time where no male attained a remotely comparable social position. Only other women buried a short time after in the Montelirio tholos, part of the same burial area, appear to have enjoyed a similarly high social position. Our results invite to reconsider established interpretations about the political role of women at the onset of early social complexity, and question traditionally held views of the past. Furthermore, this study anticipates the changes that newly developed scientific methods may bring to prehistoric archaeology and the study of human social evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cintas-Peña
- Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Seville, C/María de Padilla s/n, 41004, Seville, Spain.
| | - Miriam Luciañez-Triviño
- Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Seville, C/María de Padilla s/n, 41004, Seville, Spain
| | - Raquel Montero Artús
- Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Seville, C/María de Padilla s/n, 41004, Seville, Spain
| | - Andrea Bileck
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Bortel
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Kanz
- Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Leonardo García Sanjuán
- Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Seville, C/María de Padilla s/n, 41004, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Casas-Ferreira AM, del Nogal-Sánchez M, Arroyo ÁE, Vázquez JV, Pérez-Pavón JL. Fast methods based on mass spectrometry for peptide identification. Application to sex determination of human remains in tooth enamel. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
12
|
Abstract
Paleoproteomics, the study of ancient proteins, is a rapidly growing field at the intersection of molecular biology, paleontology, archaeology, paleoecology, and history. Paleoproteomics research leverages the longevity and diversity of proteins to explore fundamental questions about the past. While its origins predate the characterization of DNA, it was only with the advent of soft ionization mass spectrometry that the study of ancient proteins became truly feasible. Technological gains over the past 20 years have allowed increasing opportunities to better understand preservation, degradation, and recovery of the rich bioarchive of ancient proteins found in the archaeological and paleontological records. Growing from a handful of studies in the 1990s on individual highly abundant ancient proteins, paleoproteomics today is an expanding field with diverse applications ranging from the taxonomic identification of highly fragmented bones and shells and the phylogenetic resolution of extinct species to the exploration of past cuisines from dental calculus and pottery food crusts and the characterization of past diseases. More broadly, these studies have opened new doors in understanding past human-animal interactions, the reconstruction of past environments and environmental changes, the expansion of the hominin fossil record through large scale screening of nondiagnostic bone fragments, and the phylogenetic resolution of the vertebrate fossil record. Even with these advances, much of the ancient proteomic record still remains unexplored. Here we provide an overview of the history of the field, a summary of the major methods and applications currently in use, and a critical evaluation of current challenges. We conclude by looking to the future, for which innovative solutions and emerging technology will play an important role in enabling us to access the still unexplored "dark" proteome, allowing for a fuller understanding of the role ancient proteins can play in the interpretation of the past.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Warinner
- Department
of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Kristine Korzow Richter
- Department
of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Matthew J. Collins
- Department
of Archaeology, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, United Kingdom
- Section
for Evolutionary Genomics, Globe Institute,
University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tracing the mobility of a Late Epigravettian (~ 13 ka) male infant from Grotte di Pradis (Northeastern Italian Prealps) at high-temporal resolution. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8104. [PMID: 35577834 PMCID: PMC9110381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the results of a multi-disciplinary investigation on a deciduous human tooth (Pradis 1), recently recovered from the Epigravettian layers of the Grotte di Pradis archaeological site (Northeastern Italian Prealps). Pradis 1 is an exfoliated deciduous molar (Rdm2), lost during life by an 11–12-year-old child. A direct radiocarbon date provided an age of 13,088–12,897 cal BP (95% probability, IntCal20). Amelogenin peptides extracted from tooth enamel and analysed through LC–MS/MS indicate that Pradis 1 likely belonged to a male. Time-resolved 87Sr/86Sr analyses by laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS), combined with dental histology, were able to resolve his movements during the first year of life (i.e. the enamel mineralization interval). Specifically, the Sr isotope ratio of the tooth enamel differs from the local baseline value, suggesting that the child likely spent his first year of life far from Grotte di Pradis. Sr isotopes are also suggestive of a cyclical/seasonal mobility pattern exploited by the Epigravettian human group. The exploitation of Grotte di Pradis on a seasonal, i.e. summer, basis is also indicated by the faunal spectra. Indeed, the nearly 100% occurrence of marmot remains in the entire archaeozoological collection indicates the use of Pradis as a specialized marmot hunting or butchering site. This work represents the first direct assessment of sub-annual movements observed in an Epigravettian hunter-gatherer group from Northern Italy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gatti L, Lugli F, Sciutto G, Zangheri M, Prati S, Mirasoli M, Silvestrini S, Benazzi S, Tütken T, Douka K, Collina C, Boschin F, Romandini M, Iacumin P, Guardigli M, Roda A, Mazzeo R. Combining elemental and immunochemical analyses to characterize diagenetic alteration patterns in ancient skeletal remains. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5112. [PMID: 35332214 PMCID: PMC8948219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08979-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bones and teeth are biological archives, but their structure and composition are subjected to alteration overtime due to biological and chemical degradation postmortem, influenced by burial environment and conditions. Nevertheless, organic fraction preservation is mandatory for several archeometric analyses and applications. The mutual protection between biomineral and organic fractions in bones and teeth may lead to a limited diagenetic alteration, promoting a better conservation of the organic fraction. However, the correlation between elemental variations and the presence of organic materials (e.g., collagen) in the same specimen is still unclear. To fill this gap, chemiluminescent (CL) immunochemical imaging analysis has been applied for the first time for collagen localization. Then, Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and CL imaging were combined to investigate the correlation between elemental (i.e., REE, U, Sr, Ba) and collagen distribution. Teeth and bones from various archeological contexts, chronological periods, and characterized by different collagen content were analyzed. Immunochemical analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of collagen, especially in highly degraded samples. Subsequently, LA-ICP-MS showed a correlation between the presence of uranium and rare earth elements and areas with low amount of collagen. The innovative integration between the two methods permitted to clarify the mutual relation between elemental variation and collagen preservation overtime, thus contributing to unravel the effects of diagenetic alteration in bones and teeth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Gatti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via Guaccimanni, 42, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Federico Lugli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy.
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Sciutto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via Guaccimanni, 42, 48121, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - M Zangheri
- Department of Chemistry, "Giacomo Ciamician" Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Prati
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via Guaccimanni, 42, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - M Mirasoli
- Department of Chemistry, "Giacomo Ciamician" Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Silvestrini
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - S Benazzi
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - T Tütken
- Applied and Analytical Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - K Douka
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
| | - C Collina
- Museo Civico Archeologico Biagio Greco, Mondragone, Caserta, Italy
| | - F Boschin
- Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, U.R. Preistoria e Antropologia, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Romandini
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - P Iacumin
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - M Guardigli
- Department of Chemistry, "Giacomo Ciamician" Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Roda
- INBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Rome, Italy
| | - R Mazzeo
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna-Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, "Giacomo Ciamician" Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
An infant burial from Arma Veirana in northwestern Italy provides insights into funerary practices and female personhood in early Mesolithic Europe. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23735. [PMID: 34907203 PMCID: PMC8671481 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution and development of human mortuary behaviors is of enormous cultural significance. Here we report a richly-decorated young infant burial (AVH-1) from Arma Veirana (Liguria, northwestern Italy) that is directly dated to 10,211-9910 cal BP (95.4% probability), placing it within the early Holocene and therefore attributable to the early Mesolithic, a cultural period from which well-documented burials are exceedingly rare. Virtual dental histology, proteomics, and aDNA indicate that the infant was a 40-50 days old female. Associated artifacts indicate significant material and emotional investment in the child's interment. The detailed biological profile of AVH-1 establishes the child as the earliest European near-neonate documented to be female. The Arma Veirana burial thus provides insight into sex/gender-based social status, funerary treatment, and the attribution of personhood to the youngest individuals among prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups and adds substantially to the scant data on mortuary practices from an important period in prehistory shortly following the end of the last Ice Age.
Collapse
|
16
|
Multipronged dental analyses reveal dietary differences in last foragers and first farmers at Grotta Continenza, central Italy (15,500-7000 BP). Sci Rep 2021; 11:4261. [PMID: 33608594 PMCID: PMC7895915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic strata of the cave site of Grotta Continenza situated in the Fucino Basin of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The available human remains from this site provide a unique possibility to study ways in which forager versus farmer lifeways affected human odonto-skeletal remains. The main aim of our study is to understand palaeodietary patterns and their changes over time as reflected in teeth. These analyses involve a review of metrics and oral pathologies, micro-fossils preserved in the mineralized dental plaque, macrowear, and buccal microwear. Our results suggest that these complementary approaches support the assumption about a critical change in dental conditions and status with the introduction of Neolithic foodstuff and habits. However, we warn that different methodologies applied here provide data at different scales of resolution for detecting such changes and a multipronged approach to the study of dental collections is needed for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of diachronic changes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Gowland R, Stewart NA, Crowder KD, Hodson C, Shaw H, Gron KJ, Montgomery J. Sex estimation of teeth at different developmental stages using dimorphic enamel peptide analysis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 174:859-869. [PMID: 33475153 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study tests, for the first time, the applicability of a new method of sex estimation utilizing enamel peptides on a sample of deciduous and permanent teeth at different stages of mineralization, from nonadults of unknown sex, including perinates. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 43 teeth from 29 nonadult individuals aged from 40 gestational weeks to 19 years old were analyzed. The sample included pairs of fully mineralized and just developing teeth from the same individual. The individuals were from four archaeological sites in England: Piddington (1st-2nd centuries AD), Coach Lane, Victoria Gate, and Fewston (all 18th-19th centuries). A method that identifies sex chromosome-linked isoforms of the peptide amelogenin from human tooth enamel was applied. The method utilizes a minimally destructive acid etching procedure and subsequent nano liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS It was possible to determine the sex of 28 of the nonadult individuals sampled (males = 20, females = 8, undetermined = 1). Only one sample failed (CL9), due to insufficient mineralization of the sampled tooth enamel. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021683. DISCUSSION Sufficient peptide material to determine sex can be recovered even from the crowns of developing perinatal teeth that are not fully mineralized. The minimally destructive and inexpensive (compared to ancient DNA) nature of this procedure has significant implications for bioarchaeological studies of infancy and childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas A Stewart
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Claire Hodson
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, UK.,School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, London, UK
| | - Heidi Shaw
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Kurt J Gron
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Le Meillour L, Zirah S, Zazzo A, Cersoy S, Détroit F, Imalwa E, Lebon M, Nankela A, Tombret O, Pleurdeau D, Lesur J. Palaeoproteomics gives new insight into early southern African pastoralism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14427. [PMID: 32879376 PMCID: PMC7468255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of domestication is a major step that transformed the subsistence strategies of past human societies. In Africa, domestic caprines (sheep and goat) were introduced in the north-eastern part of the continent from the Near East more than 9000 years ago. However, their diffusion southwards was slow. They are thought to have made their first appearance in the southern part of the continent ca. 2000 years ago, at a few Later Stone Age sites, including Leopard Cave (Erongo region, Namibia), which provided the oldest directly dated remains assigned to sheep or goat on the basis of morphology of bones and teeth. However, similarities in morphology, not only between these two domesticated caprine species, but also between them and the small wild antelopes, raised questions about the morphological species attribution of these remains. Additionally, the high fragmentation of the site's osteological remains makes it difficult to achieve species-level taxonomic identification by comparative anatomy. In this paper, we report molecular species identification of the Leopard Cave remains using palaeoproteomics, a method that uses protein markers in bone and tooth collagen to achieve taxonomic identification of archaeological remains. We also report new direct radiocarbon dates. Wild antelope remains from museum collections were used to enrich the available protein record and propose de novo type I collagen sequences. Our results demonstrate that the remains morphologically described as domesticates actually belong to a wild antelope species and that domestic caprines first appeared at Leopard Cave 1500 years later than previously thought. This study illustrates that the use of palaeoproteomics coupled with direct radiocarbon dates is particularly suited to complement classic zooarchaeological studies, in this case concerning the arrival of the first herding practices in arid environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Le Meillour
- UMR 7209 Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements (AASPE), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptations des Microorganismes (MCAM), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, 63 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Séverine Zirah
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptations des Microorganismes (MCAM), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, 63 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Zazzo
- UMR 7209 Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements (AASPE), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Cersoy
- USR 3224 Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation (CRCC), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Ministère de la Culture, 36 rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Florent Détroit
- UMR 7194 Histoire naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique (HNHP), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, UPVD, 1 rue René Panhard, 75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Matthieu Lebon
- UMR 7194 Histoire naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique (HNHP), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, UPVD, 1 rue René Panhard, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Alma Nankela
- National Heritage Council of Namibia, 153 Dr. AB May and Rev. Michael Scott streets, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Olivier Tombret
- UMR 7209 Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements (AASPE), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
- UMR 7194 Histoire naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique (HNHP), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, UPVD, 1 rue René Panhard, 75013, Paris, France
| | - David Pleurdeau
- UMR 7194 Histoire naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique (HNHP), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, UPVD, 1 rue René Panhard, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Joséphine Lesur
- UMR 7209 Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements (AASPE), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sakalauskaite J, Marin F, Pergolizzi B, Demarchi B. Shell palaeoproteomics: First application of peptide mass fingerprinting for the rapid identification of mollusc shells in archaeology. J Proteomics 2020; 227:103920. [PMID: 32712371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Molluscs were one of the most widely-used natural resources in the past, and their shells are abundant among archaeological findings. However, our knowledge of the variety of shells that were circulating in prehistoric times (and thus their socio-economic and cultural value) is scarce due to the difficulty of achieving taxonomic determination of fragmented and/or worked remains. This study aims to obtain molecular barcodes based on peptide mass fingerprints (PMFs) of intracrystalline proteins, in order to obtain shell identification. Palaeoproteomic applications on shells are challenging, due to low concentration of molluscan proteins and an incomplete understanding of their sequences. We explore different approaches for protein extraction from small-size samples (<20 mg), followed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. The SP3 (single-pot, solid-phase) sample preparation method was found to be the most successful in retrieving the intracrystalline protein fraction from seven molluscan shell taxa, which belong to different phylogenetic groups, possess distinct microstructures and are relevant for archaeology. Furthermore, all the shells analysed, including a 7000-year-old specimen of the freshwater bivalve Pseudunio, yielded good-quality distinctive spectra, demonstrating that PMFs can be used for shell taxon determination. Our work suggests good potential for large-scale screening of archaeological molluscan remains. SIGNIFICANCE: We characterise for the first time the peptide mass fingerprints of the intracrystalline shell protein fraction isolated from different molluscan taxa. We demonstrate that these proteins yield distinctive PMFs, even for shells that are phylogenetically related and/or that display similar microstructures. Furthermore, we extend the range of sample preparation approaches for "shellomics" by testing the SP3 method, which proved to be well-suited to shell protein extraction from small-size and protein-poor samples. This work thus lays the foundations for future large-scale applications for the identification of mollusc shells and other invertebrate remains from the archaeological and palaeontological records.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorune Sakalauskaite
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy; Biogéosciences, UMR CNRS 6282, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Frédéric Marin
- Biogéosciences, UMR CNRS 6282, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Barbara Pergolizzi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, AOU S. Luigi, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Beatrice Demarchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Buonasera T, Eerkens J, de Flamingh A, Engbring L, Yip J, Li H, Haas R, DiGiuseppe D, Grant D, Salemi M, Nijmeh C, Arellano M, Leventhal A, Phinney B, Byrd BF, Malhi RS, Parker G. A comparison of proteomic, genomic, and osteological methods of archaeological sex estimation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11897. [PMID: 32681049 PMCID: PMC7368048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex estimation of skeletons is fundamental to many archaeological studies. Currently, three approaches are available to estimate sex-osteology, genomics, or proteomics, but little is known about the relative reliability of these methods in applied settings. We present matching osteological, shotgun-genomic, and proteomic data to estimate the sex of 55 individuals, each with an independent radiocarbon date between 2,440 and 100 cal BP, from two ancestral Ohlone sites in Central California. Sex estimation was possible in 100% of this burial sample using proteomics, in 91% using genomics, and in 51% using osteology. Agreement between the methods was high, however conflicts did occur. Genomic sex estimates were 100% consistent with proteomic and osteological estimates when DNA reads were above 100,000 total sequences. However, more than half the samples had DNA read numbers below this threshold, producing high rates of conflict with osteological and proteomic data where nine out of twenty conditional DNA sex estimates conflicted with proteomics. While the DNA signal decreased by an order of magnitude in the older burial samples, there was no decrease in proteomic signal. We conclude that proteomics provides an important complement to osteological and shotgun-genomic sex estimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Buonasera
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Rm 5241B Meyer Hall, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, USA.
| | - Jelmer Eerkens
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Alida de Flamingh
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Laurel Engbring
- Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Julia Yip
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Rm 5241B Meyer Hall, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Hongjie Li
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Randall Haas
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | | | - Dave Grant
- D&D Osteological Services, LLC, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Salemi
- Proteomic Core Facility, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charlene Nijmeh
- Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Monica Arellano
- Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Alan Leventhal
- Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, Milpitas, CA, USA.,Department of Anthropology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Brett Phinney
- Proteomic Core Facility, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brian F Byrd
- Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ripan S Malhi
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Glendon Parker
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Rm 5241B Meyer Hall, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gil-Bona A, Bidlack FB. Tooth Enamel and its Dynamic Protein Matrix. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124458. [PMID: 32585904 PMCID: PMC7352428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tooth enamel is the outer covering of tooth crowns, the hardest material in the mammalian body, yet fracture resistant. The extremely high content of 95 wt% calcium phosphate in healthy adult teeth is achieved through mineralization of a proteinaceous matrix that changes in abundance and composition. Enamel-specific proteins and proteases are known to be critical for proper enamel formation. Recent proteomics analyses revealed many other proteins with their roles in enamel formation yet to be unraveled. Although the exact protein composition of healthy tooth enamel is still unknown, it is apparent that compromised enamel deviates in amount and composition of its organic material. Why these differences affect both the mineralization process before tooth eruption and the properties of erupted teeth will become apparent as proteomics protocols are adjusted to the variability between species, tooth size, sample size and ephemeral organic content of forming teeth. This review summarizes the current knowledge and published proteomics data of healthy and diseased tooth enamel, including advancements in forensic applications and disease models in animals. A summary and discussion of the status quo highlights how recent proteomics findings advance our understating of the complexity and temporal changes of extracellular matrix composition during tooth enamel formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gil-Bona
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (A.G.-B.); (F.B.B.)
| | - Felicitas B. Bidlack
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (A.G.-B.); (F.B.B.)
| |
Collapse
|