Toward a versatile protocol for radiocarbon and proteomics analysis of ancient collagen. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cersoy, Sophie; Zirah, Séverine; Marie, Arul; Zazzo, Antoine
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 101(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Bone -- Collagen -- Radiocarbon dating -- Proteomics -- Electrophoresis -- LC-MS/MS -- Zooarchaeology; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2018.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: Ancient bone proteins provide a plethora of information regarding the identity, period, and diet/environment of animal species through proteomic analysis, radiocarbon dating and isotopic analysis respectively. However, each technique imposes specific constraints for bone protein extraction. Despite the sample preciousness and heterogeneity, these analyses are not routinely performed on the same aliquot. Protocol for radiocarbon dating are the most restrictive in terms of sample preparation and their effects have seldom been evaluated at the molecular level. Here, several extraction protocols were tested using modern and archaeological bones. Molecular characterization of the extracts was performed using electrophoresis and proteomics. Protocol-induced biases in peptide sequences and their effect on species identification were evaluated using database searching and partial de novo sequencing. This work shows that extraction protocols corresponding to mild bone decalcification conditions and using ultrafiltration are the most suitable for species identification. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Molecular characterization of bone proteins extracted following eight different radiocarbon dating protocols. High influence of extraction protocols on collagen integrity. Softer protocols and ultrafiltration are better suited for palaeoproteomics.