Proteomics dataset from 26th Dynasty Egyptian mummified remains sampled using minimally invasive skin sampling tape strips

Abstract

Paleoproteomics typically involves the destructive sampling of precious bioarchaeological materials. This analysis aims to investigate the proteins identifiable via nanoLC-MS/MS from highly degraded 26th Dynasty Egyptian mummified human remains (NMR.29.1-8) after non-destructive sampling with commercially available dermatology-grade skin sampling tape strips. A collection of cranial and other bone fragments were sampled with the tape strips then subsequently analysed using a shotgun proteomics approach. The number of proteins identified using this method ranged from 18 to 437 at a peptide FDR of <1%. Deamidation ratios were assessed using an in-house R script, with asparagine deamidation averaging ∼20–30% and glutamine deamidation averaging ∼15–25%. Keywords: Paleoproteomics, Deamidation, Bioarchaeology, Cultural heritage, Mass spectrometry