ABSTRACT
Several DNA-typing approaches are applied for identification and kinship analysis. Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat (STR) typing produces the genetic fingerprint that is unique to an individual. Y-chromosomal STR typing identifies individuals of the same paternal lineage, and sequence analysis of the hypervariable region of the mitochondrion can identify maternally related individuals. The combined approach of these DNA-typing methods allows the determination of kinship even in complex collective burial situations. In a bronze age collective site, the typing methods were tested for applicability to ancient DNA. For each approach, results were obtained, leading to the conclusion that the determination of kinship is achievable.
Subject(s)
DNA Fingerprinting , Forensic Anthropology , Genetics, Population , Paternity , Bone and Bones/pathology , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Female , Germany , History, Ancient , Humans , Male , Mortuary Practice , Paleopathology , Reproducibility of Results , Y ChromosomeABSTRACT
Analysis of ancient DNA of material found in the Lichtensteinhöhle, a burial site of the Younger Bronze Age has been used for the first time to assign isolated skeletal elements to corresponding individuals. The method involved DNA typing through amplification of five Short Tandem Repeat loci which are also used in forensic genetics for the determination of kinship and identification. From all of the examined bone samples DNA was successfully extracted and amplification by means of Polymerase Chain Reaction could be carried out. For the skeletal elements allelic profiles which are specific for an individual were set up. These profiles made it possible to recognize bones belonging to one individual. Elements which were not from this individual could be excluded with certainty by aDNA analysis.