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Updated: May 7, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
[DNA extraction and sex determination for human teeth dated 3000 years ago unearthed in Xi'an]
Pei-huan Wang1, Jin-ling Shao, Xiao-hong Duan
1School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P. R. China.
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.
Conclusion:
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.
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