Interdisciplinary mummy project II. - Study on some disease susceptibility genes
Informations
- Funding country
Hungary- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 9/6/2006
- End date
- 12/31/2009
- Budget
- 38,822 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thematic Programme | Grant | 9/6/2006 | 12/31/2009 | 38,822 EUR |
Abstract
One of the key topics of the worlds’ leading palaeopathological researches has been the reconstruction of past epidemics. We propose a multidisciplinary study of 256 naturally mummified bodies came to light in the Dominican Church of Vác, Hungary. Previous studies have shown the usability of laparoscopic, X-ray, CT and aDNA studies on them. With the study of a population lived before the era of extensive use of antibiotics and modern medicines, we aim to learn about polymorphism related to disease susceptibilities and some pathogens frequently occur in chronically ill patients. Our project is unique in focusing on a fairly large population restricted to a rather short period, incorporating its degree of infection by the selected microorganisms, detection of enzyme polymorphisms related to disease susceptibilities, and population genetic studies. With isolation of the archaic mummy sample’s ancient DNA content, topics include: - Level of mannose binding lectin (MBL) polymorphism, - Level of CCR5 HIV coreceptor gene polymorphism, - Isolation of HHV8 specific DNA, which has a role in Kaposi Sarcoma, - Isolation of T.pallidum specific DNA, the causative agent in syphilis, - Sequencing of HVR I- II of human mtDNA and haplotyping human mtDNA, - Study of human Y-chromosomal STR markers. As the selective effect of modern medical treatments did not affected this population, unlike today the natural progress of diseases can be postulated, which makes possible to study the 'real' interaction of genetic and environmental factors. That means a novelty in medical biological studies. The rather large number of contributors and their extensive experiences reflected in their publications gives a proof of the implementation of the designed experimental work, so does the availability of the infrastructural background.