Challenges concerning palaeoproteomics

Today, researchers only know little about how these protein sequences vary in the populations of ancient groups. They have sequenced only one Denisovan genome, which means that the team compared the protein sequences to only one other member of the ancient group. It is also possible that other Denisovans had many other variants. Katerina Douka, an archaeologist, said that many geneticists are quite skeptical of the protein sequencing methodology.

However, there are other challenges as well. Some scientists are concerned that palaeoproteomics could result in the same traps as the ancient DNA field had two decades ago. Apparently, many exciting investments and results from the ’90s and early 2000s, including discovering DNA from insects and dinosaurs trapped in amber, later came to light as false because they were products of methodological errors or contamination. Douka said she wouldn’t be surprised if this case also happens to the proteomics world.