Genetic Analysis of Medieval Skeletons from the Aragonese Pyrenees
Author Information
Author(s): Carolina Núńez, Cecilia Sosa, Miriam Baeta, Maria Geppert, Meredith Turnbough, Nicole Phillips, Yolanda Casalod, Miguel Bolea, Rhonda Roby, Bruce Budowle, Begońa Martínez-Jarreta
Primary Institution: University of Zaragoza, Spain
Hypothesis
To perform a genetic characterization of 7 skeletons from medieval age found in a burial site in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
Conclusion
The combined use of autosomal STR markers, Y-chromosome informative SNPs, and mtDNA sequences allowed us to genotype a group of skeletons from the medieval age.
Supporting Evidence
- Complete or partial STR profiles were obtained in 3 of the 7 samples.
- Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup was determined in 6 samples.
- mtDNA sequences indicated that some individuals could be maternally related.
Takeaway
Scientists studied old bones to learn about the people who lived a long time ago, and they found some family connections.
Methodology
Genetic analysis was performed using autosomal STR loci, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, and Y-chromosome haplogroup typing.
Potential Biases
No direct relationships were detected among the individuals, which may indicate potential biases in familial relationship assessments.
Limitations
Different degrees of preservation were observed among the samples, affecting DNA yield and analysis.
Participant Demographics
All 7 skeletons were male, with ages ranging from 17 to 70 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.00045 for the haplotype shared by femur 1 and 5.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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