Proteomic Sex Estimation From Embedded Tooth Enamel

Teeth hold insights into childhood diet, health and demography—including chromosomal sex. Proteomic analysis can detect peptide biomarkers from amelogenin genes encoded on X and Y chromosomes, allowing sex estimation. Embedding resins, necessary for thin sectioning teeth, can damage analytical systems, preventing proteomic analysis. We present a micro‐dissection and chemical cleanup protocol for polymethylmethacrylate embedded teeth. Across iterative preparative and analytical phases, analyses of 15 enamel samples from eight individuals detected sex‐specific amelogenin peptides. Of these, 13 samples matched known or previously estimated sexes. By refining embedded enamel preparation, sex can now be identified from teeth designated for semi‐destructive techniques.