Forensic Science International: Genetics
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Pages 104-107, March 2008

Fishing for ancient DNA

  • Cecilia Anderung

      Affiliations

    • Department of Evolution, Genomics and Systematics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala Univeristy, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
    • Present address: Palaeontology Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Department of Biology, University College London, Wolfson House, 4 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HE, United Kingdom.
    • ,
  • Per Persson

      Affiliations

    • Kulturhistorisk Museum, Universitetet i Oslo, Postboks 6762 St. Olavs Plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
    • ,
  • Abigail Bouwman

      Affiliations

    • Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, 131 Princess Street, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Rengert Elburg

      Affiliations

    • I/O-Graph Germany, Buchenstrasse 3, D-01097 Dresden, Germany
    • ,
  • Anders Götherström

      Affiliations

    • Department of Evolution, Genomics and Systematics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala Univeristy, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.

Received 22 March 2007; received in revised form 20 August 2007; accepted 29 September 2007.

Abstract 

The major problems concerning ancient DNA studies are related to the amount of extractable DNA and the precautions needed to avoid contamination. From the very first step of the analyses, the DNA extraction, these problems must be confronted. There are several extraction methods available for DNA in ancient tissue; several of them are complicated and time consuming, and none of the methods have reached an acceptance level such that they are routinely used on a widespread basis. Here we investigate the efficiency of two methods, one based on magnetic separation of the targeted molecules, and one based on silica binding. The efficiency rate of these two on the material studied seems to be identical. The silica binding method has the benefit of relative simplicity, but the magnetic separation technique also has advantages. For example, it is possible to reuse the extract several times for different loci, and it is possible to concentrate all extracted DNA from one locus into one PCR.

Keywords: Ancient DNA extraction, Silica binding purification, Magnetic separation

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1872-4973(07)00177-9

doi:10.1016/j.fsigen.2007.09.004

Forensic Science International: Genetics
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Pages 104-107, March 2008

Article Tools