The reconstruction of the DNA of a deceased person or animal, usually requires extraction of the DNA from the remains. A new study shows that this is not the only way. DNA of a man who died about 200 years ago, was restored from his living descendants, and not from its physical remains. This is never been done.
The biopharmaceutical company deCODE Genetics was able to achieve this by gathering DNA samples from 182 Icelandic descendants of Hans Jonathan. This man was somewhat of a legend in Iceland: the story goes that he managed to break free from the bondage of heroic way.
The unique life circumstances of Hans Jonathan made it possible to restore his DNA after his death. First, Jonathan was the first Icelander with African heritage. Iceland also boasts an extensive and detailed collection of genealogical records. The combination of the unique heritage of Yonatan and keeping records of family trees in this country have made this unique recovery is possible.
deCODE used DNA taken from 182 relatives, first by restoring the 38% of the DNA of the mother of Jonathan, Emilia. A complicated study published in Nature Genetics, began with the search 788 known descendants of Jonathan, which managed to narrow it down to 182 by screening of DNA with known markers.
Although this feat is truly magnificent, Robin Allaby from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, believes that “this analysis, which can only be done in special circumstances when an immigrant has a rare type of the genome.” Despite these limitations, deCODE believes that her method can find wide application.
Historical research
Brown Stefansson of deCODE says, “it’s all in the amount of data that you have. In principle, this can be done anywhere with any ancestors, but in Iceland it was easier to do because other Africans was not there.”
The Great-Grandson Of Hans Jonathan, Ludwik Ludwigson
Allaby, believes that the results of this study can give us additional opportunities to study the DNA of those who have long rested. “This kind of study could be used to reconstruct the genome researchers who intermarried with isolated aboriginal societies”.
Theoretically, this technique could help scientists create “virtual ancient DNA” on the basis of which it would be possible to create the DNA of historical figures. Agnar Helgason of deCODE, argues that “any historical figure born after the year 1500, already known descendants can be reconstructed”.
While all this is impressive, it is interesting that the method can be applied in the future, still to be solved many serious questions. The number, size and resolution of the DNA of living ancestors needed to restore another person’s DNA, make the use of the method impractical for most families. With each new generation of DNA fragments that can be identified, are smaller and they are harder to work with.
In near future it is possible to recover the filling of the gaps in the family tree. In further perspective it may be possible to restore the DNA of historical figures like Jonathan. Scientists could genetically restore anyone. Would be a tool, and there’s a reason.
DNA of someone who died in 1827, restored without his remains
Ilya Hel