Journal Published Online: 01 July 1994
Volume 39, Issue 4

Sex Typing of Forensic DNA Samples Using Male- and Female-Specific Probes

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Forensic DNA samples have been examined to ascertain the feasibility of a sex-typing procedure that we have recently developed. This uses two sets of primers complementary to the DXZ4 and SRY genes for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR target in the DXZ4, an 80-bp sequence within the 130-bp fragment specific to females, is generated from inactive chromosome X by the DNA digestion with a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme, HpaII. Therefore, the DXZ4 amplification and subsequent agarose gel electrophoresis detect the 80-bp fragment from female DNA. On the other hand, the SRY probe identifies a male-specific sequence on chromosome Y. Testing DNAs from fresh Turner's blood and from postmortem tissues exhibited band-signals confirming the sex identification. Degraded DNAs isolated from severely decomposed specimens were also identifiable when high-molecular-weight DNA was isolated before the assay. This demonstrates the usefulness of this method in forensic identification.

Author Information

Naito, E
Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Japan
Dewa, K
Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Japan
Yamanouchi, H
Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Japan
Kominami, R
Department of Biochemistry, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Japan
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13679J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13679J