Patellae as a source of DNA in forensic and archaeological analysis

Patellae as a Source of DNA in Forensic and Archaeological Analysis

Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org

15th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 27-28 October 2025 | Paris, France

🔍 Introduction

In the evolving field of forensic and archaeological genetics, the search for reliable bone sources of DNA remains crucial for human identification and ancient population studies. Traditionally, the petrous portion of the temporal bone has been considered the gold standard due to its high DNA preservation. However, ethical constraints, limited accessibility, and the destructive nature of sampling often restrict its use—especially in forensic contexts.
Recent research highlights an alternative: the patella (kneecap). Compact, durable, and relatively accessible, the patella offers a promising new pathway for DNA recovery from both modern and ancient skeletal remains.

🧫 Study Overview

This study investigated 45 patellae retrieved from two distinct sources — a post–World War II mass grave and an archaeological Christian cemetery dating from the 13th to 19th centuries. Using a full demineralisation DNA extraction method followed by real-time PCR quantification, researchers assessed the quality and quantity of genetic material obtained.
Further, short tandem repeat (STR) typing was conducted with the ESI17 Fast PCR amplification kit (Promega) to evaluate the suitability of patellae for both forensic and archaeological applications.

📈 Key Findings

The results demonstrated clear differences between the two sample groups:

• WWII patellae yielded significantly higher DNA quantities and greater STR typing success, producing complete genetic profiles.

• Archaeological patellae, though more degraded due to longer burial periods, still produced partial yet highly informative STR profiles.

These findings indicate that the patella serves as a robust and underutilized source of DNA, capable of supporting both forensic human identification and archaeogenetic studies.

🧠 Implications

The study underscores the patella’s potential as an ethical and practical alternative for DNA sampling when other skeletal elements are unavailable or cannot be destructively analyzed. Its structural density and relative preservation even after centuries of burial make it an invaluable resource for both modern forensic investigations and ancient DNA research.

🏛️ Conclusion

This research establishes the patella as a credible bone source for genetic profiling, expanding the toolkit for forensic scientists, bioarchaeologists, and molecular anthropologists. Its dual relevance in recent and ancient remains makes it a bridge between forensic science and archaeological discovery—offering new opportunities for identification and historical reconstruction.