Proteomic optimization of methods for ancient skeletal elements

Informazioni relative al progetto

PROMISE

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101106627

DOI

10.3030/101106627

Progetto chiuso

Data della firma CE 11 Aprile 2023

Data di avvio 1 Dicembre 2023

Data di completamento 30 Novembre 2025

Finanziato da

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Costo totale

Nessun dato

Contributo UE

€ 214 934,40

Coordinato da

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PROMISE (Proteomic optimization of methods for ancient skeletal elements)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-12-01 al 2025-11-30

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

The PROMISE fellowship aimed to improve methods for the study of skeletal proteomes from the Pleistocene and thereafter apply these methods to archaeological sites in the Levant. Palaeoproteomic analyses can allow for the study of evolution and ecology of past organisms, including extinct hominins. These analyses are, however, complicated by the fact that the studied objects have been buried for a long time, and occasionally stored for a long time after excavation, thereby being covered by contamination from various sources. Additionally, the proteins are slowly degrading and accumulating damage over time. The field of palaeoproteomics is relatively new, and as such, methods to analyse these ancient, degraded, and contaminated proteomes are still in their infancy. PROMISE had three main objectives to address these issues for Pleistocene bones and teeth: 1) Optimising methods for protein extraction, 2) Investigating the effects of microbial attack on the proteome, and 3) Application of gained knowledge and developed methods to Levantine archaeological specimens, an area which is challenging to study due to protein degradation, albeit essential for understanding the evolution of our species. Together, the objectives aimed to significantly advance the field of palaeoproteomics, as the methods, approaches and gained knowledge can be applied to a wider range of palaeoproteomic research contexts.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

During PROMISE, method development was performed using archaeological animal bones and teeth of a wide age range, producing data using protein mass spectrometry, particularly LC-MS/MS. Methods for removing protein contamination were evaluated for both dental enamel and bone, using an innovative approach of artificial contamination of archaeological material using saliva and fur from a modern dog (see photo). Optimized methods for demineralization of bone and dental enamel were also developed, showing the effects of different reagents and concentrations on the extracted proteins. Progress was made on evaluating the presence of microbial proteins in archaeological bone, through the complex analysis of metaproteomes. All technical research objectives of PROMISE were therefore achieved. Finally, the work performed in PROMISE established the presence of preserved proteins in a range of Pleistocene archaeological sites in the Levant.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

The improved methods for ancient protein extraction developed during PROMISE mean that more high-quality data can be gained from each sample, thereby reducing the need for destructive sampling of limited archaeological materials. Beyond the optimized methods and increased knowledge in palaeoproteomics, PROMISE also established new approaches to method development and experimental design. The research conducted within PROMISE included several international collaborations, both within and outside Europe, with a wide range of scientists from different areas of expertise, strengthening scientific collaborations between countries and fields of research. The training within PROMISE, ranging from laboratory and bioinformatics methods to scientific communication, teaching, and project management, provided a robust base for both carrying out the work within PROMISE, as well as a future research career.

Contamination of a piece of archaeological dental enamel by the research assistant Tjorven.