Ancient DNA Study Group
Researchers:
#AncientDNA #Archaeogenetics #Paleogenomics #Archaeobotany #NGS #MigrationMovements #BioculturalInteraction #AdaptationProcesses #MetagenomicAnalysis #Archaeoecology
The Ancient DNA Study Group is a research community that analyzes DNA obtained from human, animal, and plant remains using multidisciplinary approaches to understand the biological legacy of past civilizations. Our study group aims to illuminate the lifestyles, health status, migration patterns, and environmental interactions of ancient societies across a broad time span from prehistory to the present day, by integrating Türkiye's rich archaeological heritage with genetic data.
Our laboratory performs a wide range of ancient DNA applications, including archaeogenetic, paleogenomic, metagenomic, and epigenetic analyses. Using advanced NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) technologies, we meticulously isolate degraded and low-volume ancient DNA, prepare libraries, and perform high-resolution genomic analyses. These analyses provide in-depth information about the demographic structures, genetic diversity, adaptation processes, disease profiles, and biocultural transition periods of ancient human populations.
Our group also studies ancient agricultural and domestication practices, ecosystem changes, and human-nature interactions using ancient DNA data obtained from animal and plant remains. Methods such as 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and aDNA damage analysis , conducted within an archaeological context, enable both microbial pathogen detection and paleoecological interpretations. These multifaceted studies are shaped by the common denominators of different disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, and environmental sciences; and are supported by national and international research projects. At the same time, high quality control standards are observed in all processes from data generation to analysis, and aDNA-specific protocols are meticulously applied.
Our goal as the Ancient DNA Study Group is not only to produce genetic data, but also to reconstruct the biological and cultural traces of past societies through a holistic approach using this data. With the data produced, we aim to contribute to the scientific community by creating genetic databases on both local and global scales, and to provide resources for future research.
Evolution and Phylogenetic Relationships
Ancient DNA helps us understand evolutionary relationships and phylogenetic trees between species.
Identification
Ancient DNA is used to identify individuals who lived in prehistoric times.
Kinship and Family Relations
Ancient DNA is used to investigate ancestry and kinship relationships.
Gender Determination
Ancient DNA helps us determine the sex of individuals from fossil remains.
Origin and Spread of Diseases:
Ancient DNA helps us understand how ancient diseases originated and spread.
Biological Characteristics of Extinct Species
Ancient DNA allows us to study the genetic characteristics of extinct species.
Determining the Migration Routes of Living Organisms
Ancient DNA helps us understand past migration patterns.
Analysis of ancient DNA typically involves the following steps:
Sampling : Obtaining ancient DNA first requires identifying suitable samples. These are typically fossil bones, teeth, skin fragments, or other biological materials.
Sample Preparation : For example, the sample needs to be cleaned using special methods to reduce the risk of contamination in laboratory conditions. This is important to protect the sample from external factors and to ensure accurate analysis of the ancient DNA later on.
DNA Isolation : For example, special chemical and physical methods are used to isolate ancient DNA. In this process, it is important to maximize the preservation of the DNA and minimize degradation that may be caused by external factors.
DNA Amplification : The amplification of ancient DNA is performed using methods such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). This increases the amount of ancient DNA, providing a sufficient quantity for further analysis.
Sequencing : After the amplification process, sequencing devices are used to determine the DNA sequences. This is done, for example, to identify which organism's DNA is present and to reveal genetic information.
Bioinformatic Analysis : The obtained DNA sequences are processed using bioinformatic analysis methods. These analyses are used to obtain information on topics such as determining evolutionary relationships, understanding population structure, tracking migrations, and more.
Ancient DNA analysis involves delicate experiments that must be carefully conducted under laboratory conditions. The risk of contamination is high, and the deterioration of ancient DNA can make the analyses difficult. Therefore, meticulous analysis of samples during laboratory processes is crucial and necessary.
Projects
Extraction of Ancient DNA from Aquatic Organism Remains Found in Liman Tepe and Çeşme-Bağlararası Settlements, Molecular Evolutionary Analysis, and the Relationships of These Regions with Distant Cultural Regions
Publications
Decoding Past Microbial Life and Antibiotic Resistance in İnönü Cave's Archaeological Soil
Genes. Sukran Ozturk, F. Gülden Ekmen, Hamza Ekmen, Esra Mine Ünal, Ayşegül Er Gökçe, Emre Keskin, Benjamin Stanley Arbuckle
Announcements
Unveiling Ancient Coastal Biodiversity Through DNA Metabarcoding in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas
EEBST 2024: 10th Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Symposium, 23-25 July, Çanakkale, Turkey. (Oral Presentation). Er Gökçe A, Atar HH, Şahoğlu V, Tuğcu I, Erkal H, Keskin E. 2024.
Species Level Identification of Marine Fishes and Crustaceans using Ancient DNA Gathered from Underwater Excavations.
EEBST 2019: 6th Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Symposium, 10-12 July, Ankara, Turkey. (Poster). Er A, Atar HH, Şahoğlu V, Tuğcu I, Erkal H, Keskin E. 2019.