In a groundbreaking study, researchers are harnessing ancient microbial DNA from dental calculus to uncover the molecular secrets of bacteria that thrived over 100,000 years ago. Conducted by a transdisciplinary team from institutions such as the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Harvard University, this research reconstructs the genomes of ancient bacteria, revealing new natural products with potential therapeutic uses. Advances in bioinformatics have enabled scientists to piece together degraded DNA fragments, allowed them to reconstruct bacterial genomes from Neanderthals and early humans’ dental tartar.
Among the discoveries was a member of the bacterial genus Chlorobium, associated with a unique biosynthetic gene cluster, showcasing previously unknown genetic diversity from the Paleolithic era. The team synthesized these ancient genes, resulting in the production of new natural compounds called “paleofurans.” This project, funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation, exemplifies the successful collaboration between various scientific disciplines, paving the way for future applications of these findings in antibiotic discovery and expanding the field of paleobiotechnology. Co-author Christina Warinner emphasized the study’s aim to unlock the genetic and chemical diversity of our microbial past, offering new opportunities for drug development.
