Ancient DNA

被引:554
作者
Willerslev, E [1 ]
Cooper, A [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Oxford, Dept Zool, Henry Wellcome Ancient Biomol Ctr, Oxford OX1 3PS, England
基金
英国自然环境研究理事会; 英国惠康基金;
关键词
ancient DNA; palaeontology; palaeoecology; archaeology; population genetics; DNA damage and repair;
D O I
10.1098/rspb.2004.2813
中图分类号
Q [生物科学];
学科分类号
07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;
摘要
In the past two decades, ancient DNA research has progressed from the retrieval of small fragments of mitochondrial DNA from a few late Holocene specimens, to large-scale studies of ancient populations, phenotypically important nuclear loci, and even whole mitochondrial genome sequences of extinct species. However, the field is still regularly marred by erroneous reports, which underestimate the extent of contamination within laboratories and samples themselves. An improved understanding of these processes and the effects of damage on ancient DNA templates has started to provide a more robust basis for research. Recent methodological advances have included the characterization of Pleistocene mammal populations and discoveries of DNA preserved in ancient sediments. Increasingly, ancient genetic information is providing a unique means to test assumptions used in evolutionary and population genetics studies to reconstruct the past. Initial results have revealed surprisingly complex population histories, and indicate that modem phylogeographic studies may give misleading impressions about even the recent evolutionary past. With the advent and uptake of appropriate methodologies, ancient DNA is now positioned to become a powerful tool in biological research and is also evolving new and unexpected uses, such as in the search for extinct or extant life in the deep biosphere and on other planets.
引用
收藏
页码:3 / 16
页数:14
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