Insights of the dental calculi microbiome of pre-Columbian inhabitants from Puerto Rico

PeerJ

article

Tasha M. Santiago-Rodriguez¹  Yvonne Narganes-Storde⁴  Luis Chanlatte-Baik⁴  Gary A. Toranzos⁵  Raul J. Cano¹ 

[1] Center for Applications in Biotechnology, California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo;Biology Deparment, California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo;Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship, ATCC-Center for Translational Microbiology;Center for Archaeological Investigations, University of Puerto Rico;Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico

关键词: Ancient microbiomes;    Bacteria;    Saladoid;    Oral microbiome;    Dental plaque;    pre-Columbian cultures;    Sorcé;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.3277

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe study of ancient microorganisms in mineralized dental plaque or calculi is providing insights into microbial evolution, as well as lifestyles and disease states of extinct cultures; yet, little is still known about the oral microbial community structure and function of pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures. In the present study, we investigated the dental calculi microbiome and predicted function of one of these cultures, known as the Saladoid. The Saladoids were horticulturalists that emphasized root-crop production. Fruits, as well as small marine and terrestrial animals were also part of the Saladoid diet.MethodsDental calculi samples were recovered from the archaeological site of Sorcé, in the municipal island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, characterized using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, and compared to the microbiome of previously characterized coprolites of the same culture, as well modern plaque, saliva and stool microbiomes available from the Human Microbiome Project.ResultsActinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes comprised the majority of the Saladoid dental calculi microbiome. The Saladoid dental calculi microbiome was distinct when compared to those of modern saliva and dental plaque, but showed the presence of common inhabitants of modern oral cavities including Streptococcus sp., Veillonella dispar and Rothia mucilaginosa. Cell motility, signal transduction and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites may be unique features of the Saladoid microbiome.DiscussionResults suggest that the Saladoid dental calculi microbiome structure and function may possibly reflect a horticulturalist lifestyle and distinct dietary habits. Results also open the opportunity to further elucidate oral disease states in extinct Caribbean cultures and extinct indigenous cultures with similar lifestyles.

【 授权许可】

CC BY