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The mysteries of DNA preservation in bone: A comparative study of petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

  • 0Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
Forensic Science International +

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May 31, 2024

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May 31, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

DNA preservation in skeletal remains was compared between petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses. Despite structural differences, both bone types yielded comparable DNA for forensic analysis, suggesting varied preservation mechanisms.

Area Of Science

  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Skeletal Biology

Background

  • Petrous bones are considered optimal for endogenous DNA extraction from skeletal remains due to their dense structure.
  • Metacarpal epiphyses, being porous, were presumed more susceptible to degradation and less suitable for DNA analysis.
  • Taphonomic factors can significantly impact DNA preservation in ancient or historical skeletal samples.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To comparatively analyze DNA yield and short tandem repeat (STR) typing success between petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses from the same taphonomic cohort.
  • To investigate the correlation between bone molecular structure and DNA preservation using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
  • To elucidate potential mechanisms contributing to DNA preservation in different skeletal elements.

Main Methods

  • Comparative DNA extraction and STR typing were performed on 26 petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses from the Second World War era.
  • ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was employed to analyze the molecular structure (mineralization and organic content) of corresponding bone samples.
  • Spectroscopic data and FTIR indices were compared between petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses.

Main Results

  • No significant differences were observed in DNA yield or STR typing success rates between petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses.
  • ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed higher mineralization in petrous bones and greater organic matter content in metacarpal epiphyses.
  • The unexpected DNA preservation in metacarpal epiphyses may be linked to residual soft tissue within their trabecular structure.

Conclusions

  • Metacarpal epiphyses can be a viable source of endogenous DNA for forensic applications, comparable to petrous bones, despite differing structural properties.
  • Subtle differences in bone molecular composition, such as mineralization and organic content, influence DNA preservation mechanisms.
  • The presence of soft tissue remnants plays a crucial role in maintaining DNA integrity in porous skeletal elements.

Keywords:

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