Date: December 2023
Publication: Forensic Science International
Authors: Tamara Leskovar and Irena Zupanič Pajnič
Summary:
This comparative analysis investigated the preservation of DNA in various categories of teeth, including permanent and deciduous teeth, fully developed and not fully developed teeth, in adults and non-adults. The study sampled teeth from a modern-era cemetery in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and employed a full demineralization protocol for DNA extraction. The extracted DNA was analyzed using qPCR techniques, and autosomal STR typing was performed to verify genetic profiles.
The key findings of this research are as follows:
1. Tooth Type Matters: Permanent teeth consistently yielded higher quantities of DNA compared to deciduous teeth. This difference can be attributed to the thicker cementum and fully developed roots in permanent teeth rich in DNA. Therefore, when available, researchers should prioritize the use of permanent teeth for genetic analysis, especially in challenging archaeological and forensic cases.
2. Age-Related Variations: Significant differences in DNA preservation were observed between teeth from adults and non-adults, with adults providing more DNA on average. Adults consistently yielded higher DNA quantities even when considering only fully developed permanent teeth. This suggests that age-related factors, beyond the tooth developmental stage, influence DNA preservation in teeth.
3. Tooth Cementum as a DNA Source: Tooth cementum, due to its thickness and resistance to degradation, was highlighted as a valuable source of DNA. This finding suggests that researchers should consider tooth cementum as a viable alternative for genetic analysis, particularly when other tooth components may be compromised.
4. Implications for Archaeological and Forensic Research: These findings have practical implications for archaeological and forensic investigations. Selecting the most suitable teeth for DNA analysis can enhance the chances of obtaining reliable genetic information from skeletonized remains. Understanding the factors that influence DNA preservation in teeth can lead to more informed sampling strategies and improved success rates in genetic analyses.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into DNA preservation in different categories of teeth. It emphasizes the importance of tooth type and age in genetic analyses of archaeological and forensic samples. Researchers are encouraged to consider tooth type, age, and the potential of tooth cementum when designing sampling strategies for genetic analysis. These findings contribute to optimizing DNA sampling strategies and enhancing genetic analysis success rates in human remains research.
License: This research is available under a Creative Commons license, and the full text of the paper can be accessed at the link below. Please note that the contents may be edited for style and length.
Study Citation: Tamara Leskovar, Irena Zupanič Pajnič. (2023). Comparative Analysis of DNA Preservation in Permanent and Deciduous Teeth of Adults and Non-Adults: Implications for Archaeological and Forensic Research.[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111882]
