The analysis of ancient DNA from MH cemeteries has two aims:
- To identify the sex of the deceased.
- To detect family relationships between individuals and burial groupings.
Ancient DNA analysis is a powerful and accurate technique. However, ancient DNA may be poorly preserved or damaged, while the risk of contamination with modern DNA is also considerable. In order to assess the preservation of aDNA in the skeletal material, a pilot analysis of 12 samples from Lerna has been carried. Teeth were used as samples, as the chances of preservation of DNA in teeth are higher than in long bones. In order to overcome the problem of contamination, the processing of samples takes place under very stringent conditions in a laboratory especially set up for this purpose.
The results of this analysis are extremely encouraging: we have had a success of 80% in reconstructing nuclear DNA which allows us to identify (or confirm) the sex of the deceased, but also to reconstruct his or her genetic fingerprint. The attempts to isolate and reconstruct mitochondrial DNA continue. The first results have been presented in a poster at the MESOHELLADIKA conference, and the final report on the pilot analysis from Lerna has been submitted. The results will also be presented at the One-Day Conference in Athens on 19 December 2007.
 Grave 71-72, double burial. Lerna. (Courtesy C. Zerner) |
The analysis is undertaken by Sofia Kouidou-Andreou and Leda Kovatsi and Dimitra Nikou at the Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
For more information on aDNA analysis, please click here.
