The challenge of identifying tuberculosis proteins in archaeological tissues

摘要: Following the report of Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins found in archaeological bone by Boros-Major et al. (2011), we attempted to identify M. tuberculosis mummified lung tissues from which ancient DNA success had already been reported. Using a filter-aided sample preparation protocol modified for samples applied shotgun proteomics seven lung, chest and pleura tissues. However, only identified four peptides with unique matches complex, none were M. tuberculosis, although did range human non-mycobacterial bacterial proteins. In light these results, question validity peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) approach presented especially because PMF spectrum (2011) has similarities that collagen, dominant protein tissue under investigation. We explore challenges using proteomic approaches detect propose that, given contentious outcomes have plagued research past, susceptibility material modern contamination, degradation inherent samples, caution is needed acquisition, analysis reporting data such material.