Preserved Dinosaur Cartilage: Proteins, Chromosomes and DNA Markers

In summary, a recent study found evidence of well-preserved proteins, chromosomes, and chemical markers of DNA in the cartilage of a duck-billed dinosaur nestling. The cellular preservation was so exceptional that it extended to the molecular level, with similar molecular features as seen in extant avian cartilage. Histochemical and immunological evidence supported the in situ preservation of extracellular matrix components and isolated chondrocytes showed positive reactions with two DNA intercalating stains. This suggests that endogenous nuclear material survived fossilization and may preserve for millions of years. The study also suggests that the DNA could potentially be sequenced by experts like Svante Pääbo and used for "Jurassic Park"-like purposes.
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TL;DR Summary
This article found evidence for the preservation of collagen, DNA, and cartilage polysaccarides by histological staining techniques on thin ground section of fossil material.
I found this article on https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339566392_Evidence_of_proteins_chromosomes_and_chemical_markers_of_DNA_in_exceptionally_preserved_dinosaur_cartilage.
The reference is:
Alida M. Bailleul, Wenxia Zheng, John R. Horner , Brian K. Hall, Casey M. Holliday and Mary H. Schweitzer. (2020). Evidence of proteins, chromosomes and chemical markers of DNA in exceptionally preserved dinosaur cartilage. National Science Review 0: 1–8, 2020

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 fossilization. Our data support the hypothesis that calcified cartilage is preserved at the molecular level in this Mesozoic material, and suggest that remnants of once-living chondrocytes, including their DNA, may preserve for millions of years.
 
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That Svante Pääbo guy should sequence the DNA.

Then he could go all Jurassic Park with the sequence!
:nb)
Screen Shot 2020-03-21 at 4.40.49 PM.png
 
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1. What is preserved dinosaur cartilage?

Preserved dinosaur cartilage refers to the soft connective tissue found in the skeletal structure of dinosaurs that has been preserved over millions of years. This tissue contains important biological components such as proteins, chromosomes, and DNA markers.

2. How is dinosaur cartilage preserved?

Dinosaur cartilage is typically preserved through a process called fossilization. This occurs when the minerals in groundwater replace the organic material in the cartilage, preserving its structure and composition over time.

3. Can we extract DNA from preserved dinosaur cartilage?

Yes, it is possible to extract DNA from preserved dinosaur cartilage. However, the success of this process depends on the quality and age of the sample, as well as the preservation conditions.

4. Why is studying preserved dinosaur cartilage important?

Studying preserved dinosaur cartilage can provide valuable insights into the biological makeup and evolution of dinosaurs. It can also help us understand the relationship between dinosaurs and modern animals, as well as their role in the Earth's history.

5. What techniques are used to study preserved dinosaur cartilage?

Scientists use a variety of techniques, such as microscopy, biochemical analysis, and genetic sequencing, to study preserved dinosaur cartilage. These techniques allow us to analyze the composition and structure of the tissue, as well as extract and analyze genetic material.

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