Enamel Palaeoproteomics Successfully Distinguishes between Denisovans and European Neandertals
Ancient DNA (aDNA) has transformed the study of hominin relationships, but its preservation in ancient fossils is often limited. Enamel palaeoproteomics offers an alternative molecular approach for taxonomic analysis. In this study, we re-analyse published DDA mass spectrometry data1 from the Denisovan-attributed Penghu 1 mandible (PXD054412)2 and a Neandertal enamel specimen from Gruta de…
Enamel palaeoproteomics provides an alternative method to ancient DNA for identifying ancient hominin species. In a study reanalyzing published data, researchers confirmed an exclusive molecular marker distinguishing Denisovans from European Neandertals.
Five peptides carrying the Valine-273 substitution (V273) were found exclusively in the Denisovan-attributed Penghu 1 mandible. No corresponding V273 signal was detected in the Neandertal specimen. Conversely, an ancestral Methionine-273 peptide was exclusively detected in the Neandertal sample. Both findings, supported by additional analytical evidence, confirm the taxon-specific nature of AMBN V273 and M273 variants.
The study demonstrates that targeted MS1 reanalysis of public proteomics datasets can serve as a scalable complement to ancient genomics. This molecular approach, when DNA preservation is lacking, aids in resolving hominin lineage identity and sex determination.
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