[DNA extraction and sex determination for human teeth dated 3000 years ago unearthed in Xi'an].
OBJECTIVE
To extracted DNA from ancient human teeth dated 3000 years ago unearthed in Xi'an and determine the genders for the individuals.


METHODS
Thirty five ancient human teeth were studied. A 'Reverse-root-canal' technique and a Chelex-100 solution were used to extract the DNA. Specific primers for Amelogenin gene were designed for PCR amplification.


RESULTS
Genomic DNA was successfully extracted from 30 samples, for which 8 were determined to be males and 22 were females.


CONCLUSIONS
The 'Reverse-root-canal' technique may be used for extracting DNA from ancient human teeth. Genetics method can supplement physical anthropology for determination of sex for ancient samples.
School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P. R. China. Email: shaojl@fmmu.edu.cn.
Pei-huan
PH
Wang
Jin-ling
JL
Shao
Xiao-hong
XH
Duan
Yu
Y
Gao
Dai-yun
DY
Liu
D053523:Amelogenin / Q000235:genetics; D002681:China; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010161:Paleodontology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis; D014070:Tooth / Q000737:chemistry*
D053523:Amelogenin; D004247:DNA