Evidence of proteins, chromosomes and chemical markers of DNA in exceptionally preserved dinosaur cartilage.

ABSTRACT: A histological ground-section from a duck-billed dinosaur nestling (Hypacrosaurus stebingeri) revealed microstructures morphologically consistent with nuclei and chromosomes in cells within calcified cartilage. We hypothesized that this exceptional cellular preservation extended to the molecular level and had molecular features in common with extant avian cartilage. Histochemical and immunological evidence supports in situ preservation of extracellular matrix components found in extant cartilage, including glycosaminoglycans and collagen type II. Furthermore, isolated Hypacrosaurus chondrocytes react positively with two DNA intercalating stains. Specific DNA staining is only observed inside the isolated cells, suggesting endogenous nuclear material survived fossilizati

SUBMITTER: Bailleul AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8289162 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature