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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
First insights into the metagenome of Egyptian mummies using next-generation sequencing
Journal of Applied Genetics, Volume 54, No. 3, Year 2013
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Description
We applied, for the first time, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology on Egyptian mummies. Seven NGS datasets obtained from five randomly selected Third Intermediate to Graeco-Roman Egyptian mummies (806 BC-124AD) and two unearthed pre-contact Bolivian lowland skeletons were generated and characterised. The datasets were contrasted to three recently published NGS datasets obtained from cold-climate regions, i.e. the Saqqaq, the Denisova hominid and the Alpine Iceman. Analysis was done using one million reads of each newly generated or published dataset. Blastn and megablast results were analysed using MEGAN software. Distinct NGS results were replicated by specific and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols in ancient DNA dedicated laboratories. Here, we provide unambiguous identification of authentic DNA in Egyptian mummies. The NGS datasets showed variable contents of endogenous DNA harboured in tissues. Three of five mummies displayed a human DNA proportion comparable to the human read count of the Saqqaq permafrost-preserved specimen. Furthermore, a metagenomic signature unique to mummies was displayed. By applying a "bacterial fingerprint", discrimination among mummies and other remains from warm areas outside Egypt was possible. Due to the absence of an adequate environment monitoring, a bacterial bloom was identified when analysing different biopsies from the same mummies taken after a lapse of time of 1.5 years. Plant kingdom representation in all mummy datasets was unique and could be partially associated with their use in embalming materials. Finally, NGS data showed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii DNA sequences, indicating malaria and toxoplasmosis in these mummies. We demonstrate that endogenous ancient DNA can be extracted from mummies and serve as a proper template for the NGS technique, thus, opening new pathways of investigation for future genome sequencing of ancient Egyptian individuals. © 2013 Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan.
Authors & Co-Authors
Khairat, Rabab
Germany, Tubingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Egypt, Giza
National Research Centre
Egypt, Cairo
Egyptian Museum
Ball, Markus
Germany, Tubingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Chang, Chun Chi Hsieh
Germany, Tubingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Bianucci, Raffaella
Italy, Turin
Università Degli Studi Di Torino
Italy, Pisa
Università Di Pisa
Nerlich, Andreas G.
Germany, Munich
Academic Clinics München-bogenhausen and München-schwabing
Trautmann, Martin
Germany, Munich
Anthropologie Und Osteoarchäologie
Germany, Munich
Institut Für Forensische Sachgutachten
Ismail, Somaia M.
Egypt, Giza
National Research Centre
Egypt, Cairo
Egyptian Museum
SHANAB, Gamila M.L.
Egypt, Cairo
College of Science
Karim, A. M. M.
Egypt, Cairo
College of Science
Gad, Yehia Z.
Egypt, Giza
National Research Centre
Egypt, Cairo
Egyptian Museum
Pusch, Carsten M.
Germany, Tubingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Statistics
Citations: 66
Authors: 11
Affiliations: 9
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1007/s13353-013-0145-1
ISSN:
12341983
Research Areas
Genetics And Genomics
Infectious Diseases
Study Locations
Egypt