Development of a Targeted Protein Residue Analysis Approach in Archaeology

• Main Author: Scott, Ashley
• Other Authors: Venables, Barney
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2017
• Subjects: archaeology; proteomics; Archaeological chemistry.; Archaeology > Methodology.; Proteomics.; Mass spectrometry.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1011863/

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based proteomic methods have provided archaeologists with a powerful tool for the discovery and identification of proteins within artifacts. Traditionally, discovery-based methods have utilized a non-targeted full mass scan method in an attempt to identify all proteins present within a given sample. However, increased sensitivity is often needed to target specific proteins in order to test hypotheses. Proteins present within archaeological materials present a unique challenge, as they are often subjected to a variety of chemical transformations both before and after burial. Any preserved proteins will be present within a complex mixture of compounds, and full mass scans often fail to detect less abundant proteins of interest. Consistent and reliable targeted methods are needed to detect protein biomarkers. Taphonomic experimentation was employed as a means to identify the effect of particular processes and conditions on the preservation of mare's milk proteins. In addition, three LC-MS methods were evaluated for their efficiency in identifying mare's milk-specific peptide biomarkers from experimental pottery samples. The ability to reliably detect the presence of these species-specific peptides can help provide evidence about past cultural groups, including the origins of dairying and animal domestication.