205: Ancient RNA Expression Profiles from the Woolly Mammoth

Ancient RNA Expression Profiles from the Woolly Mammoth Music:Enjoy the music based on this article at the end of the episode. License:This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Support:Base by Base – Stripe donations: https://donate.stripe.com/7sY4gz71B2sN3RWac5gEg00 Official website https://basebybase.com On PaperCast Base by Base you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics. Episode link: https://basebybase.com/episodes/ancient-rna-expression-profiles-from-the-woolly-mammoth ️ Episode:205: Ancient RNA Expression Profiles from the Woolly Mammoth ️ Season:1 Article title:Ancient RNA Expression Profiles from the Woolly Mammoth Journal:Cell DOI:10.1016/j.cell.2025.10.025 QC:This episode was checked against the original article PDF and publication metadata for the episode release published on 2025-11-21. QC Scope:- article metadata and core scientific claims from the narration- excludes analogies, intro/outro, and music- transcript coverage: Audited the transcript’s coverage of the main experimental design, data-quality checks, major results, tissue-level interpretation, and preservation rationale described in the article. Assessed sections: sample collection/preservation; RNA sequencing and fragment mapping; damage signatures and data authenticity; exonic- transcript topics: Sample collection and permafrost preservation; RNA sequencing, fragment length, and mapping strategy; Damage signatures and data authenticity (C>U deamination, 5' end bias); Exonic mapping and exon-exon junctions indicating mature mRNA; Tissue identity and metabolism (skeletal muscle, slow-twitch markers MYH7, TNNT1, NEB); Genetic sex determination (Y-chromosome transcripts USP9Y) QC Summary:- factual score: 10/10- metadata score: 10/10- supported core claims: 7- claims flagged for review: 1- metadata checks passed: 4- metadata issues found: 0 Metadata Audited:- article_doi- article_title- article_journal- license Factual Items Audited:- RNA recovered from multiple mammoth samples; three showed endogenous mammoth material- RNA fragments map predominantly to exonic regions and span exon-exon junctions (indicating mature mRNA)- Tissue-specific transcriptional profile consistent with skeletal muscle and slow-twitch fiber markers- Sex of the mammoth Yuka identified as male via Y-chromosome transcripts (USP9Y) and autosomal DNA analysis- New regulatory microRNAs predicted (MPR novel 4 and 5) specific to Afrotherians- Specific microRNA variant Mir-1 with lineage-specific signatures (Proboscideans) QC Flagged Items (audited and not fully supported):- Core claim uncertain: RNA preservation is limited to soft tissues; extension to bone is challenging QC result: Warning. Items above were flagged during automated QC; the editorial team reviewed them before release.