Assessing the degradation of ancient milk proteins through site-specific deamidation patterns.

ABSTRACT: The origins, prevalence and nature of dairying have been long debated by archaeologists. Within the last decade, new advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry have allowed for the direct detection of milk proteins from archaeological remains, including ceramic residues, dental calculus, and preserved dairy products. Proteins recovered from archaeological remains are susceptible to post-excavation and laboratory contamination, a particular concern for ancient dairying studies as milk proteins such as beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and caseins are potential laboratory contaminants. Here, we examine how site-specific rates of deamidation (i.e., deamidation occurring in specific positions in the protein chain) can be used to elucidate patterns of peptide degradation, and authenticate ancient mil

SUBMITTER: Ramsoe A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8032661 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature