Amelogenin, Y-Linked (AMELY)

AMELY is a gene which encodes a form of amelogenin found on the Y chromosome. Amelogenin is a member of a family of extracellular matrix proteins. They are involved in biomineralization during tooth enamel development. Mutations in the related AMELX gene on the X chromosome cause X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta.

The AMGY allele carries a small deletion in the first intron, facilitating the design of distinct X- and Y-specific PCR primers. Using the method, the sex was determined from the skeletal remains of 18 individuals, including young children, out of 22 examined from periods ranging from 200 to around 8,000 years ago. Cortical and cranial bones, as well as teeth, were found to provide sufficiently preserved DNA.