Histological analysis and ancient DNA amplification of human bone remains found in Caius Iulius Polybius house in Pompeii

Thirteen skeletons found in the Caius Iulius Polybius house, which has been the object of intensive study since its discovery in Pompeii 250 years ago , have provided an opportunity to study either bone diagenesis by histologi cal investigation or ancient DNA by polymerase chain reaction analysis. DNA analysis was done by amplifying both X- and Y-chromosomes amelogenin loci and Y-specific alphoid repeat locus. The von Willebrand factor (vWF) micros atellite locus on chromosome 12 was also analyzed for personal identificati on in two individuals showing alleles with 10/11 and 12/12 TCTA repeats, re spectively. Technical problems were the scarcity of DNA content from osteoc ytes, DNA molecule fragmentation, microbial contamination which change bone structure, contaminating human DNA which results from mishandling, and fre quent presence of Taq DNA polymerase inhibiting molecules like polyphenols and heavy metals. The results suggest that the remains contain endogenous h uman DNA that can be amplified and analyzed. The amplifiability of DNA corr esponds to the bone preservation and dynamics of the burial conditions subs equent to the 79 A.D. eruption.