2002 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
DNA Analysis and immunological Study of Animal Remains of Ancient Japan
| Project/Area Number |
11480027
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Cultural property science
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| Research Institution | Independent Administrative Institution, National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo (2001-2002)
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo (1999-2000) |
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Principal Investigator |
KIGAWA Rika National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, 保存科学部, 主任研究官 (40261119)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1999 – 2002
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| Keywords | Ancient DNA / PCR / Animal remains |
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| Research Abstract |
This research aimed at getting information from animal remains of ancient Japan through DNA analysis or immunological studies. There are examples of DNA or biochemical analysis of Animal remains excavated from archaeological sites these days. However, analysis is generally difficult due to the poor survival of DNA molecules or proteins, and contaminations by other modern creatures including microorganisms. In this research, a trial of establishing protocols to obtain reliable results was made. For example, efforts to establish a strict system to get rid of contaminations by other organisms were made. Morphological studies under microscope were performed at the same time in order to see cell contents being likely to be remained. The results of these morphological studies showed good correlation with success or failure of DNA amplification. Furthermore, several materials inhibited PCR in DNA amplification from ancient samples. For examples, metallic ions, dyes in ancient samples themselves inhibited DNA amplification. Also we found some resins for conservation treatments and some pesticides including fumigants did affect the stability of DNA molecules in museum samples. Especially we showed several fumigants for killing insects and fungi of museum objects severely affected DNA in samples. Therefore it is also important how we preserve ancient samples in museums prior to DNA analysis.
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