Journal Published Online: 01 November 1997
Volume 42, Issue 6

Extraction of Single-Copy Nuclear DNA from Forensic Specimens with a Variety of Postmortem Histories

CODEN: JFSCAS

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.

Author Information

Evison, MP
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Smillie, DM
Trent Centre, National Blood Service, Longley Lane, Sheffield, UK
Chamberlain, AT
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14257J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14257J