Fri, 09/12/2014
Customer asks for assistance in a project to collect tissues from an ancient corpse bathed in formalin for many years to conduct a sequencing study.
Fri, 09/12/2014 at 4:01 PM
AccuraScience LB: Ancient human samples require special handling, and I am sure your team is equipped with the required expertise on sample handling and DNA extraction. Sequencing projects involving ancient samples also present special challenges in bioinformatics analysis. Specifically, algorithms/procedures need to be developed to evaluate (1) the rate of contamination of the sample by modern human samples, and (2) the level of DNA damage, which is often revealed as (a) high level of fragmentation of the DNA, and (b) excessive depurination and deamination of bases at 5'- and 3'-end of the DNA fragments. Following these evaluations, problematic portions of the DNA sequences need to be removed computationally.
Besides data processing (described above), there could be additional challenges in comparing the data with the modern human reference genome. We need to be looking for tell-tell signs hidden in the data that suggest something is not right, which are hard to predict before-hand.
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Note: LB stands for Lead Bioinformatician. An AccuraScience LB is a senior bioinformatics expert and leader of an AccuraScience data analysis team.
Disclaimer: This text was selected and edited based on genuine communications that took place between a customer and AccuraScience data analysis team at specified dates and times. The editing was made to protect the customer’s privacy and for brevity. The edited text may or may not have been reviewed and approved by the customer. AccuraScience is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information reflected in this text.