Ancient DNA Sequencing (aDNA)
Recover genetic information from highly fragmented and chemically damaged DNA found in archaeological remains, fossils, and sediments—scoped for low-input samples and contamination-aware workflows.
For the quickest scoping, share: sample type (bone/tooth/sediment), estimated age and preservation context, target organism, number of samples, and whether you want shotgun sequencing, capture enrichment, or mtDNA focus.
Why Ancient DNA Requires Specialized Workflows
Ancient DNA is typically short, damaged, and present at low abundance. Successful projects depend on low-input library preparation, careful contamination control, and analysis methods that account for characteristic aDNA damage patterns.
Typical aDNA Challenges
- Severe fragmentation (short insert sizes)
- Base damage and chemical modifications
- Low endogenous DNA relative to environmental background
- Contamination risk (modern DNA and handling artifacts)
Common Study Goals
- Paleogenomics and extinct species reconstruction
- Archaeogenetics and population history
- sedaDNA (sedimentary ancient DNA) biodiversity inference
- Ancient pathogens and historical disease dynamics (research scope-dependent)
Sequencing Approaches
Projects can be scoped for broad discovery or focused recovery of specific targets depending on sample preservation and goals.
Shotgun Sequencing
- Broad discovery across genomes and metagenomic background
- Supports endogenous fraction estimates and exploratory analysis
- Best for higher endogenous content samples (context-dependent)
Target Enrichment (Capture)
- Focused recovery for mitochondrial DNA or defined loci
- Improves usable data yield for low-endogenous samples
- Useful when specific questions drive the design
Optional Bioinformatics
- QC and alignment with damage-aware considerations
- Authentication support (damage profiles, fragment length distributions)
- Variant calling, consensus generation, and summary reporting (scope-dependent)
Ancient DNA FAQ
Quick answers to help plan an aDNA project.
Can you work with very low DNA input?
Many aDNA projects require low-input handling due to limited endogenous DNA. Share your sample type and preservation context, and we’ll recommend a realistic strategy (shotgun vs enrichment) and deliverables.
What information do you need for a quote?
Sample type (bone/tooth/sediment), target organism, number of samples, desired outputs (mtDNA vs nuclear targets vs discovery), and whether you want sequencing only or analysis support.
Do you support sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA)?
Projects can be scoped for sediment-derived DNA depending on goals and expected background. Share sediment type, extraction approach, and whether the study is targeted (capture/markers) or broad discovery.
Plan an ancient DNA project
Share sample type, preservation context, target organism, and study goals. We’ll recommend a workflow and deliverables.