Analysis of Ancient Human Microbiomes
Author Information
Author(s): Tito Raúl Y., Macmil Simone, Wiley Graham, Najar Fares, Cleeland Lauren, Qu Chunmei, Wang Ping, Romagne Frederic, Leonard Sylvain, Ruiz Agustín Jiménez, Reinhard Karl, Roe Bruce A., Lewis Cecil M. Jr.
Primary Institution: University of Oklahoma
Hypothesis
How did ancient human microbiomes differ from modern ones?
Conclusion
The study found that ancient human microbiomes were more similar to each other than to modern human microbiomes, suggesting geographical structuring in pre-Columbian times.
Supporting Evidence
- The two ancient samples had more similar functional profiles to each other than to modern humans.
- Contamination control methods were effectively implemented during the study.
- Inter-individual variability for phenotypes was observed but not for functional pathways.
- Ancient microbiomes were found to be geographically structured.
- Natural selection influences microbiome functional profiles more than species representation.
Takeaway
Scientists studied poop from ancient humans to see what germs they had, and found that they were more alike than today's humans.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing two ancient fecal samples using shotgun DNA sequencing and contamination control methods.
Potential Biases
There is uncertainty about the potential biases of modern microbiome profiles that could affect the interpretation of ancient data.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be representative due to potential biases in modern microbiome profiles.
Participant Demographics
The samples originated from two different individuals belonging to Native American mitochondrial haplogroups B and D.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.00001
Statistical Significance
p<0.00001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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