Cell头条：迄今最古老RNA分子，开启猛犸象研究新视角

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking study on ancient RNA from the woolly mammoth, published in Cell, which reveals that RNA can be preserved for thousands of years, potentially transforming the study of extinct species [4][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study presents the transcriptome profiles of 10 woolly mammoths, with one specimen dating back approximately 39,000 years, providing detailed transcriptional information related to muscle metabolism and specific regulatory mechanisms [4]. - The research indicates that ancient RNA can survive for millennia, suggesting a new approach to studying extinct organisms and the potential for a multi-dimensional approach integrating genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics in paleobiological research [5]. - The study successfully identified multiple muscle-specific mRNAs from a 39,000-year-old mammoth specimen, Yuka, and discovered potential novel miRNA candidate sites based on the ancient RNA sequences [9]. Group 2: Methodology and Challenges - The research team developed a methodological framework for isolating ancient RNA, incorporating quality control standards for metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses, and addressing the unique characteristics of ancient RNA [8]. - The study highlights the challenges of recovering transcriptional data from extinct species due to the instability of RNA, which degrades quickly unless immediately preserved [7]. - The findings demonstrate that tissue-specific gene expression patterns can be preserved over time, revealing previously unknown aspects of extinct organisms [11].