Ancient DNA Services

The University of Tartu, Core Facility of Genomics provides ancient DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing and data analysis services for archaeological, historical and environmental samples. Our dedicated cleanroom facility supports the controlled processing of highly degraded DNA from human, animal, plant and sediment samples, enabling projects from pilot studies and sample screening to large-scale archaeogenomics research.

Why work with us?

Dedicated Ancient DNA Facility
Established in 2018, the Ancient DNA Facility is a specialised cleanroom laboratory designed exclusively for the controlled processing of highly degraded archaeological and historical material. Dedicated sampling, extraction, library preparation and purification rooms, together with positive-pressure cleanrooms and independent ventilation, minimise contamination throughout the workflow.

International archaeogenomics research
Our research is global in scope and ranges from the Palaeolithic to the modern era. Results generated using the Ancient DNA Facility have contributed to international archaeogenomics studies published in leading journals.

Integrated laboratory and bioinformatics support
From sample assessment and DNA extraction to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, laboratory specialists work together with scientists throughout every stage of the project.

Research applications

• Archaeogenomics

• Authentication and contamination assessment

• Human ancient DNA

• Animal ancient DNA

• Sedimentary ancient DNA

• Ancient pathogen research

Available services

1. Ancient DNA screening
Suitable for evaluating DNA preservation and for generating data for preliminary analyses.

Includes

• Sampling of skeletal material, dental calculus or hair (10–300 mg)

• Decontamination

• DNA extraction

• Extract purification (100 μL final volume)

• Double-indexed non-UDG library preparation

• Library quantification

• Screening sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq 2000 platform (c. 20M 100 nt sequences)

2. Ancient DNA processing
Suitable for projects requiring ancient DNA extraction and library preparation before custom sequencing strategies.

Includes

• Sampling of skeletal material, dental calculus or hair (10–300 mg)

• Decontamination

• DNA extraction

• Extract purification (100 μL final volume)

• Double-indexed non-UDG library preparation

• Library quantification

3. Preliminary human DNA data analysis
Suitable for projects which do not include large-scale bioinformatic analyses or such analyses will be done via collaboration and are dependent on the results of preliminary analyses.

Includes

• Sample preservation and authenticity assessment

• Genetic sex estimation

• Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup assignment

• Y chromosome haplogroup assignment

• Kinship coefficient estimation

Analysis availability depends on sequencing coverage and data quality.

Facility

The Ancient DNA Facility comprises dedicated drilling and extraction, purification and library preparation laboratories, and a dedicated reagent preparation room. The cleanrooms have positive-pressure and independent ventilation. Laboratory information is logged in an integrated sample tracking database.

Library amplification and purification are performed in dedicated laboratory spaces separate from extraction areas, while sequencing is carried out using the Core Facility of Genomics sequencing platforms.

Custom workflows

Alternative library preparation protocols, including half-UDG and full-UDG treatments, can be provided according to project requirements. Custom sequencing strategies, sequencing depths and read outputs are available upon request.

Planning an ancient DNA project?

Our team can help assess sample suitability, recommend appropriate workflows and develop sequencing strategies tailored to your research objectives.

For project enquiries and pricing contact lab manager Lehti Saag:
[email protected]

The completion of the laboratory was supported by Archimedes Foundation, EU Regional Development Fund, project no 2014-2020.4.01.16-0030 “ASTRA UBiLaMoPop - Ultrasensitive Biomolecule Laboratory and Modern Population Genetics”

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