TY - JOUR

T1 - Ancient Metagenomic Studies

T2 - Considerations for the Wider Scientific Community

AU - Der Sarkissian, Clio

AU - Velsko, Irina M.

AU - Fotakis, Anna K.

AU - Vågene, Åshild J.

AU - Hübner, Alexander

AU - Yates, James A. Fellows

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2021 American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Like modern metagenomics, ancient metagenomics is a highly data-rich discipline, with the added challenge that the DNA of interest is degraded and, depending on the sample type, in low abundance. This requires the application of specialized measures during molecular experiments and computational analyses. Furthermore, researchers often work with finite sample sizes, which impedes optimal experimental design and control of confounding factors, and with ethically sensitive samples necessitating the consideration of additional guidelines. In September 2020, early career researchers in the field of ancient metagenomics met (Standards, Precautions & Advances in Ancient Metagenomics 2 [SPAAM2] community meeting) to discuss the state of the field and how to address current challenges. Here, in an effort to bridge the gap between ancient and modern metagenomics, we highlight and reflect upon some common misconceptions, provide a brief overview of the challenges in our field, and point toward useful resources for potential reviewers and newcomers to the field.

AB - Like modern metagenomics, ancient metagenomics is a highly data-rich discipline, with the added challenge that the DNA of interest is degraded and, depending on the sample type, in low abundance. This requires the application of specialized measures during molecular experiments and computational analyses. Furthermore, researchers often work with finite sample sizes, which impedes optimal experimental design and control of confounding factors, and with ethically sensitive samples necessitating the consideration of additional guidelines. In September 2020, early career researchers in the field of ancient metagenomics met (Standards, Precautions & Advances in Ancient Metagenomics 2 [SPAAM2] community meeting) to discuss the state of the field and how to address current challenges. Here, in an effort to bridge the gap between ancient and modern metagenomics, we highlight and reflect upon some common misconceptions, provide a brief overview of the challenges in our field, and point toward useful resources for potential reviewers and newcomers to the field.

KW - Ancient DNA

KW - Ancient metagenomics

KW - Archaeogenomics

KW - Archaeology

KW - Authentication

KW - Cultural heritage

KW - Ethics

KW - Metagenomics

KW - Microbe

KW - Microbiome

KW - Paleogenetics

KW - Peer review

U2 - 10.1128/MSYSTEMS.01315-21

DO - 10.1128/MSYSTEMS.01315-21

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:85122680235

VL - 6

JO - mSystems

JF - mSystems

SN - 2379-5077

IS - 6

M1 - e01315-21

ER -