Climbing Steep Learning Curves in Ancient DNA Research: An Example of Mastering qPCR

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2025: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

In this study, we illustrate the steep learning curve associated with learning quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while also demonstrating its value as an effective training method for ancient DNA research. Utilizing sensitive fluorescent signals, qPCR monitors DNA amplification in real time, serving as an invaluable tool for the quantitation of DNA. Two researchers conducted qPCR tests on multiple series of dilutions (10x, 100x, 1kx, 10kx, 100kx, 1mx, 10mx, and 100mx) derived from modern faunal DNA (10-30 ng/uL of salmon, cattle, or kangaroo). Each researcher performed over 25 qPCR tests, which were evaluated for intra- and inter-observer error, before consistent and expected outcomes were achieved. Our data illustrates that reduced intra-observer errors will eventually lead to a decrease in inter-observer errors, ultimately yielding consistent and expected results. Through this qPCR-based dilution exercise, researchers will refine critical laboratory techniques pertinent to ancient DNA, including the management of limited DNA quantities and maintenance of consistency across samples, replicates, and experimental setups. Achieving stable qPCR results requires repeated practice, meticulous labwork, and creative troubleshooting, producing a steep learning curve to overcome. However, when mastered, qPCR is an extremely useful tool that can be applied in ancient DNA research for both training and quantitation.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• SAA 2025: Individual Abstracts

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 53563