Statistical assignment of DNA sequences using Bayesian phylogenetics

Kasper Munch*, Wouter Boomsma, John P. Huelsenbeck, Eske Willerslev, Rasmus Nielsen

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    162 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We provide a new automated statistical method for DNA barcoding based on a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. The method is based on automated database sequence retrieval, alignment, and phylogenetic analysis using a custom-built program for Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. We show on real data that the method outperforms Blast searches as a measure of confidence and can help eliminate 80% of all false assignment based on best Blast hit. However, the most important advance of the method is that it provides statistically meaningful measures of confidence. We apply the method to a re-analysis of previously published ancient DNA data and show that, with high statistical confidence, most of the published sequences are in fact of Neanderthal origin. However, there are several cases of chimeric sequences that are comprised of a combination of both Neanderthal and modern human DNA.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalSystematic Biology
    Volume57
    Issue5
    Pages (from-to)750-757
    Number of pages8
    ISSN1063-5157
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2008

    Keywords

    • Assignment
    • Barcoding
    • Bayesian
    • Phylogenetics

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