Mitochondrial DNA genetic relationships at the ancient Neolithic site of Tell Halula

Abstract

The extent of racemization of aspartic acid (Asp) -expressed as D/L ratio-has been used as a marker of biomolecular degradation in ancient remains. However, Asp racemization rate is highly variable, and depends on biochemical and geochemical factors. In this paper we aim to determine to which extent the fraction analyzed and the Results show significant differences between the D/L Asp ratios obtained in dentine and whole tooth fractions from the same tooth and individual, as well as among dentine samples from the same archaeological site and among samples of the same age from different, though nearby, archaeological sites. Ancient DNA (aDNA) could be characterized in the majority of the samples, independently from their racemization values, which suggests that other factors, apart from the sample preservation stage, are more significantly affecting the racemization rate. A generalized use of the Asp racemization ratio as a threshold value for ancient DNA preservation needs to be questioned until further methodological standardization is considered.

A Probable Case of Thalassemia Intermedia from Tell Masaikh, Syria

“…However, the observed haplotypes were distinct from that identified herein, which in turn is different both from those already found in ancient DNA from Syria (e.g. Fernandez et al, 2008) and among molecules of modern Syrian population (Abu-Amero et al, 2011). All of these suggest that the analysed specimen was probably a newcomer, or a local with ancestors that have Asian origin in the maternal lineage, most likely from the Indian Peninsula where this specific haplogroup can still be identified (e.g.…”

Beyond the Levant: First Evidence of a Pre-Pottery Neolithic Incursion into the Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia

“…Debates have included the defining the origins of agriculture [10]–[15], the origins of animal domestication [16]–[20], the development of sedentism [21], [22], the evolution of proto-urban social systems [23], the demographic expansion of communities [24], [25], the genetic [26] and linguistic diversity [27] of groups, and the development of new beliefs and rituals in association with social changes [8], [28], [29]. A better understanding of the temporal and spatial and variability of early Neolithic cultures should also be viewed as a critical research task for archaeologists.…”

mtDNA from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman Period Suggests a Genetic Link between the Indian Subcontinent and Mesopotamian Cradle of Civilization

“…DNA was isolated according to commonly accepted precautions [2], [3], . Mechanical cleaning (Dremel®) was followed by washing in NaClO for 30 min., rinsing in 96% ethanol and exposure to UV light for 30 min.…”

“…Fossil sequences are preferably isolated from remains unearthed in permafrost or temperate regions, and only rarely from skeletal material found in a subtropical arid climate, probably due to the widespread belief that access to amplifiable sequences is highly limited in such cases. Thus, only scarce data from the Mesopotamia region are available [2], [3]. However, using ancient DNA methodology, we aimed to confirm the possibility of isolating amplifiable sequences from the skeletons staying under conditions favourable for DNA survival.…”