Ancient DNA as a multidisciplinary experience

Abstract

Investigation into DNA from archeological remains offers an inestimable tool for unraveling the history of humankind. However, a series of basic and technical difficulties renders the analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) molecules troublesome, depending either on their own peculiar characteristics or on the complexity of processes affecting the bone matrix over time, all compromising the preservation of ancient DNA. This review underlines the contribution of many different disciplines, in particular molecular biology and genetics, to overcome these obstacles. The role of each expertise is illustrated to appropriately address the questions arising in aDNA investigations.

Joseon Funerary Texts Tested Using Ancient DNA Analysis of a Korean Mummy

“…DNA investigation of ancient human samples (aDNA analysis) is a research that is attracting the attention of the academic community (e.g., Marota and Rollo, ; Cipollaro et al, ). In fact, for several decades now, aDNA analysis has expanded the related fields of archaeological science considerably (Marota and Rollo, ; Cipollaro et al, ).…”

“…DNA investigation of ancient human samples (aDNA analysis) is a research that is attracting the attention of the academic community (e.g., Marota and Rollo, ; Cipollaro et al, ). In fact, for several decades now, aDNA analysis has expanded the related fields of archaeological science considerably (Marota and Rollo, ; Cipollaro et al, ). DNA profiles derived from archaeological human samples have proved significant to all of the relevant and diverse researchers seeking to reconstruct the lives of the historical people (de Pancorbo et al, ; Baca et al, ).…”

Kinship and Y-Chromosome Analysis of 7th Century Human Remains: Novel DNA Extraction and Typing Procedure for Ancient Material

“…Comparison of older archaeological and historical hypotheses with the exact anthropological and genetic findings is a current trend that can bring more objectivity to historical anthropology. Currently available archaeogenetic technigues (7) can be combined with modern molecular-biological techniques to improve the quality of information retrieved from the ancient artifacts (8).…”

“…Therefore, there is an understandable need for a multidisciplinary approach which would solve problems related to DNA analysis of ancient material (7).…”

Pathogenic microbial ancient DNA: a problem or an opportunity?

“…

The recent review on ancient DNA in this journal by Willerslev and Cooper (2005) is timely. It follows more than a decade of intensive research in this area, and others have also seen the need to review progress and reflect on the future (Pääbo et al 2004;Cipollaro et al 2005;Nicholls 2005). Since the first papers in this field, the majority of studies have dealt with population genetics, diet, domestication, and evolution of mammals and birds.

…”