Evidence of Collagen in Cretaceous Mosasaur Bones
Author Information
Author(s): Lindgren Johan, Uvdal Per, Engdahl Anders, Lee Andrew H., Alwmark Carl, Bergquist Karl-Erik, Nilsson Einar, Ekström Peter, Rasmussen Magnus, Douglas Desirée A., Polcyn Michael J., Jacobs Louis L.
Primary Institution: Lund University
Hypothesis
Can endogenous proteinaceous molecules be retained in Cretaceous mosasaur bones?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that collagen-like proteins are preserved in a Late Cretaceous mosasaur humerus.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunofluorescence showed reactivity to antibodies against type I collagen.
- Amino acid analysis indicated the presence of structural proteins.
- Infrared microspectroscopy revealed characteristic collagen signatures.
- Fibrous structures exhibited a 67 nm D-periodicity typical of collagen.
- Spectra from the mosasaur differed from modern bacterial contaminants.
Takeaway
Scientists found that some proteins from a 70 million-year-old mosasaur bone are still there, showing that bones can keep their proteins for a very long time.
Methodology
The study used synchrotron radiation-based infrared microspectroscopy and immunofluorescence to analyze the bone tissues.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on a single specimen, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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