ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Extraction of Single-Copy Nuclear DNA from Forensic Specimens with a Variety of Postmortem Histories
Chamberlain, AT
University of Sheffield,

Smillie, DM
Trent Centre, National Blood Service, Longley Lane,

Evison, MP
University of Sheffield,

(Received 26 September 1996; accepted 21 March 1997)

Abstract

Specimens of human bone, teeth and dried blood spots from 3 months to 91 years old, with a variety of postmortem histories, were used in a comparative study of recovery of single-copy nuclear DNA sequences from forensic material. Sequences of the amelogenin and HLA-DPB1 genes were chosen for their value in sexing and identification. Sequences of the mitochondrial non-coding region V were also amplified to compare the recovery of mitochondrial and single-copy nuclear DNA. A variation of the silica method for DNA extraction was refined for application to the forensic specimens in this sample. Single-copy nuclear DNA was amplified from 100% of recent postoperative bone specimens (n = 6), 80% of forensic teeth and bone specimens (n = 10), 78% of recently extracted teeth (n = 18), 78% of exhumed bone up to 91 years old (n = 37) and 69% of 15 year old bone specimens fixed in 10% formalin (n = 20). Amelogenin sexing was correct in 85% of cases (n = 74) in which the sex of the donor had been recorded. There was no correlation between the age of the specimen and the extent of DNA preservation.

Keywords:
forensic science, HLA-DPB1, amelogenin, DNA extraction, PCR, mtDNA, bone, teeth, dried blood

Paper ID: JFS14257J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14257J
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