Pusch Carsten M, Broghammer Martina, Blin Nikolaus
Institute of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, Wilhelmstr. 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
J Appl Genet. 2003;44(3):269-90.
Comparative studies of DNA in recent populations and characterisation of ancient hereditary material have contributed very interesting facts to our understanding of evolution of modern mankind. Analysis of DNA homology in related species, assessment of mutations and polymorphisms in various populations and new DNA sequence data from prehistoric finds allowed - via sophisticated DNA extraction techniques, PCR, sequencing and digitalised processing of genetic information - insights into possible roots of Homo sapiens and related species, migration patterns and ancient cultural habits, thus enrhing the palaeoanthropological discipline. However, a presentation of this development would not be complete without pointing towards the methodological limitations and manifold presentations burdened with artifacts, data misinterpretation and unjustified conclusions. Presently, this modern field of research is in its consolidation phase and new parameters for quality control and authentication are being implemented to avoid spectacular but unfounded reports. It is expected that most of the problems connected to old biomolecules may be closely related to fossilisation parameters. The future challenge will be the full understanding of the complex and multi-faceted processes underlying diagenesis, including the elucidation of nucleic acid postmortem damage".
对近代人群DNA的比较研究以及古代遗传物质的特征分析，为我们理解现代人类的进化提供了非常有趣的事实。通过复杂的DNA提取技术、聚合酶链式反应（PCR）、测序以及遗传信息的数字化处理，对相关物种的DNA同源性分析、对不同人群中突变和多态性的评估以及来自史前发现的新DNA序列数据，使我们能够深入了解智人及相关物种的可能起源、迁徙模式和古代文化习性，从而丰富了古人类学学科。然而，如果不指出方法上的局限性以及充斥着人为因素、数据误解和不合理结论的多种表述，对这一发展的介绍将是不完整的。目前，这个现代研究领域正处于巩固阶段，正在实施新的质量控制和鉴定参数，以避免出现惊人但毫无根据的报告。预计与古老生物分子相关的大多数问题可能与化石形成参数密切相关。未来的挑战将是全面理解成岩作用背后复杂多面的过程，包括阐明核酸的死后损伤。
