Molecular tests support the viability of rare earth elements as proxies for fossil biomolecule preservation

TY - JOUR

T1 - Molecular tests support the viability of rare earth elements as proxies for fossil biomolecule preservation

AU - Ullmann, Paul V.

AU - Voegele, Kristyn K.

AU - Grandstaff, David E.

AU - Ash, Richard D.

AU - Zheng, Wenxia

AU - Schroeter, Elena R.

AU - Schweitzer, Mary H.

AU - Lacovara, Kenneth J.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2020, The Author(s).

PY - 2020/12/1

Y1 - 2020/12/1

N2 - The rare earth element (REE) composition of a fossil bone reflects its chemical alteration during diagenesis. Consequently, fossils presenting low REE concentrations and/or REE profiles indicative of simple diffusion, signifying minimal alteration, have been proposed as ideal candidates for paleomolecular investigation. We directly tested this prediction by conducting multiple biomolecular assays on a well-preserved fibula of the dinosaur Edmontosaurus from the Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation previously found to exhibit low REE concentrations and steeply-declining REE profiles. Gel electrophoresis identified the presence of organic material in this specimen, and subsequent immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays identified preservation of epitopes of the structural protein collagen I. Our results thereby support the utility of REE profiles as proxies for soft tissue and biomolecular preservation in fossil bones. Based on considerations of trace element taphonomy, we also draw predictions as to the biomolecular recovery potential of additional REE profile types exhibited by fossil bones.

AB - The rare earth element (REE) composition of a fossil bone reflects its chemical alteration during diagenesis. Consequently, fossils presenting low REE concentrations and/or REE profiles indicative of simple diffusion, signifying minimal alteration, have been proposed as ideal candidates for paleomolecular investigation. We directly tested this prediction by conducting multiple biomolecular assays on a well-preserved fibula of the dinosaur Edmontosaurus from the Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation previously found to exhibit low REE concentrations and steeply-declining REE profiles. Gel electrophoresis identified the presence of organic material in this specimen, and subsequent immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays identified preservation of epitopes of the structural protein collagen I. Our results thereby support the utility of REE profiles as proxies for soft tissue and biomolecular preservation in fossil bones. Based on considerations of trace element taphonomy, we also draw predictions as to the biomolecular recovery potential of additional REE profile types exhibited by fossil bones.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85091463969

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85091463969#tab=citedBy

U2 - 10.1038/s41598-020-72648-6

DO - 10.1038/s41598-020-72648-6

M3 - Article

C2 - 32968129

SN - 2045-2322

VL - 10

JO - Scientific reports

JF - Scientific reports

IS - 1

M1 - 15566

ER -