Paleoproteomics of pottery food residues reveals plant cupin superfamily proteins preserved for thousands of years

iScience 2026 Open access

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Authors: Takumi Nishiuchi, Masataka Nakano, Shinya Ohki, Kenichi Kobayashi, Guoping Sun, Joonho Son, Shinya Shoda
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115637
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

, were detected in the charred food residues. Lipid and isotope data were consistent with the proteomic results. Furthermore, 3D protein structure mapping showed that the detected peptides fall within β-barrel regions of the proteins, the structurally stable cores of these seed storage proteins. Thus, pottery foodcrusts preserved plant cupin proteins over 7,900-2,500 years.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Archaeology and ancient environmental studies Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis Mineralogy and Gemology Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
5
Pages
115637–115637
Publication date
8 April 2026
Language
EN