Re: Ancient DNA, facts and assumptions (from C. Pretzman)

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To all concerned:

Follows is a non-confidential abstract

   We have developed a novel method for the extraction of relatively long
DNA fragments from fossilized bone for subsequent analysis using PCR and
standard sequencing techniques.  The advantage of this method is that it
selects for unmodified, undamaged and chemically unaltered DNA fragments
greater than 300 base pairs in length.  Currently available techniques
produce small DNA fragments which can result in chimeric amplification of
mosaic sequences after PCR.  True sequence divergence cannot be obtained
from these mosaic sequences.  Our method does not use conventional
extraction techniques such as grinding bone material and subjecting it to
phenol, chloroform, alcohol, guanidine isothiocyanate or other harsh
chemical treatments that might damage already compromised DNA.

Potential uses of this technology include:
1. Production of intact genes from extinct organisms
2. Identification of extinct species for which there are only small portions
of a skeleton remaining, or for which there is only a small bone    fragment
3. Phylogenetic classification of extinct animals and plants
4. Rapid recovery of intact DNA from bones or other material

   If you represent, or are in a position to forward this non-confidential
abstract to parties interested in commercial rights to this potentially
patentable process, or are able to fund research to further develop and
implement this technique, with proprietary interests in mind, please respond to:

Chip Pretzman
Dept. of Molecular Genetics
The Ohio State University
484 W. 12th Ave.
Columbus, OH   43210
USA
Fax 614-292-4466
internet cpretzma@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu

Lab Phone 614-292-4570
Home 614-848-5056<<<


Anyone wanting a look at a partial 18S ribosomal sequence from a
Tenontosaurus to see exactly how it clades outside of mammlas and inside of
reptiles, and is not a lab or extant contaminant can request a
non-disclosure form from me.

-CP