Combining bleach and mild predigestion improves ancient DNA recovery from bones

Sanne Boessenkool, Kristian Ebbesen Hanghøj, Heidi M. Nistelberger, Clio Der Sarkissian, Agata T. Gondek, Ludovic Antoine Alexandre Orlando, James H. Barrett, Bastiaan Star

    34 Citationer (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The feasibility of genome-scale studies from archaeological material remains critically dependent on the ability to access endogenous, authentic DNA. In the majority of cases, this represents a few per cent of the DNA extract, at most. A number of specific pre-extraction protocols for bone powder aimed to improve ancient DNA recovery before library amplification have recently been developed. Here, we test the effects of combining two of such protocols, a bleach wash and a predigestion step, on 12 bone samples of Atlantic cod and domestic horse aged 750-1350 cal. years before present. Using high-throughput sequencing, we show that combined together, bleach wash and predigestion consistently yield DNA libraries with higher endogenous content than either of these methods alone. Additionally, the molecular complexity of these libraries is improved and endogenous DNA templates show larger size distributions. Other library characteristics, such as DNA damage profiles or the composition of microbial communities, are little affected by the pre-extraction protocols. Application of the combined protocol presented in this study will facilitate the genetic analysis of an increasing number of ancient remains and will reduce the cost of whole-genome sequencing.

    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftMolecular Ecology Resources
    Vol/bind17
    Udgave nummer4
    Sider (fra-til)742–751
    Antal sider10
    ISSN1755-098X
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - jul. 2017

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