STR基因座荧光标记复合扩增检测及其法医学应用

目的建立荧光标记复合扩增检测4个STR基因座的方法,应用于法医学亲权鉴定与个人识别。方法用6-FAM标记D3S1754引物,HEX标记D4S2366和D12S375引物,TMR标记D1S549引物,PCR复合扩增,310基因分析仪电泳自动收集电泳结果数据,GeneScanAnalysisSoftware3.7NT计算扩增产物片段相对大小,Genotyper誖3.7NT软件进行样本基因型分型。将该方法应用于法医学亲权鉴定与个人识别。结果建立了荧光标记复合扩增检测4个STR基因座基因型的方法,具有良好的稳定性和较好的灵敏度,分型结果准确。结论研究建立的方法操作简便,分型结果稳定可靠,可用于遗传多态性研究和法医学亲权鉴定与个人识别。     

Evaluation of Direct PCR Amplification Using Various Swabs and Washing Reagents

DNA profiles were generated via direct amplification from blood and saliva samples deposited on various types of swab substrates. Each of the six non-FTA substrates used in this research was punched with a Harris 1.2 mm puncher. After 0.1 μL of blood or 0.5 μL saliva, samples were deposited on each of these punches, samples were pretreated with one of four buffers and washing reagents. Amplification was performed using direct and nondirect autosomal and Y-STR kits. Autosomal and Y-STR profiles were successfully generated from most of these substrates when pretreated with buffer or washing reagents. Concordant profiles were obtained within and between the six substrates, the six amplification kits, and all four reagents. The direct amplification of substrates which do not contain lysing agent would be beneficial to the forensic community as the procedure can be used on evidence samples commonly found at crime scenes.     

温州汉族人群D12S391、D18S865基因座遗传多态性研究

目的研究短串联重复序列D12S391、D18S865的遗传多态性及法医学应用价值。方法应用聚合酶链反应(PCR)、聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(PAGE)及银染显带技术对温州地区汉族454名无关个体的D12S391、D18S865位点进行分型。结果D12S391观察到11个等位基因,50种基因型;D18S865观察到7个等位基因,21种基因型。基因型频率的分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡,两个基因座的观测杂合度(H)分别为0.7974、0.7379;个体识别能力(DP)分别为0.9566、0.9077;多态信息含量(PIC)分别为0.8260、0.7279。结论两个STR基因座具有较高杂合度,等位基因分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡(P>0.5),在法医学应用和群体遗传学研究中较高的价值。     

温州汉族人群D7S2846、D19S400和D18S535基因座的遗传多态性研究

目的研究D7S2846、D19S400和D18S535位点在温州汉族人群的遗传多态性。方法EDTA抗凝血样采自194名无血缘关系温州地区汉族个体,用chelex-100法提取DNA,PCR扩增,聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳,银染显色分析。结果D7S2846观察到6个等位基因及15种基因型;D19S400观察到10个等位基因及36种基因型;D18S535观察到8个等位基因及26种基因型。各基因座的杂合度(H)分别为:0.644、0.724、0.772;个人识别能力(Dp):0.854、0.940、0.938。结论三个STR基因座具有较高杂合度,等位基因分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡,在法医学应用和群体遗传学研究中有较高的价值。     

用复合扩增方法检测4个Y-STR基因座单倍型

目的建立复合扩增Y-STR基因座的体系,获得中国汉族人的单倍型频率。方法复合扩增DYS439、DYS390、GATA-A7.2和DYS3934个基因座,用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳和银染法进行基因分型。结果调查中国汉族558名无关男性个体,4个基因座分别检出7、7、7和6个等位基因,共180种单倍型,其单倍型的个体识别率为0.9853。结论该复合扩增体系在建立Y染色体STR数据库、在群体遗传研究和法医学鉴定中有应用意义。     

Recovery of Environmental Human DNA by Insects*,†

Abstract: We tested the hypotheses that foraging insects can acquire human DNA from the environment and that insect‐delivered human DNA is of sufficient quantity and quality to permit standard forensic analyses. Houseflies, German cockroaches, and camel crickets were exposed to dusty surfaces and then assayed for human mitochondrial and nuclear loci by conventional and qPCR, and multiplex STR amplification. Over two experiments, 100% of insect groups and 94% of dust controls tested positive for human DNA. Of 177 individuals, 33–67% tested positive and 13 yielded quantifiable human DNA (mean = 0.022 ± 0.006 ng; mean dust control = 2.448 ± 0.960 ng); four had at least one positive allele call for one or more locus; eight others showed multiple peaks at some loci. Results imply that application to routine forensic casework is limited given current detection methodology yet demonstrate the potential use of insects as environmental samplers for human DNA.     

5个STR基因座的遗传多态性及其法医学应用

目的获得D11S4951、D11S4957、GATA193H05、D2S2951、D6S2421基因座的群体遗传学数据,并分析其在法医学中的应用价值。方法随机抽取成都地区汉族群体无血缘关系个体的静脉血,EDTA抗凝,用Chelex-100法提取DNA,应用PCR技术,扩增上述5个短串联重复序列基因座,聚丙烯酰胺凝胶垂直板电泳分型。结果5个基因座在中国成都汉族人群中分别发现了7、10、8、6、8个等位基因,5个基因座的基因型分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡(P>0.05)。各基因座的杂合度分别为0.743、0.772、0.833、0.650和0.800;非父排除概率分别为0.497、0.549、0.662、0.356和0.599;个人识别几率分别为0.863、0.912、0.947、0.829和0.931。结论5个基因座在中国汉族群体中具有法医学应用价值。     

Validation of a multiplex PCR assay for the forensic identification of Indian crocodiles

A dependable and efficient wildlife species identification system is essential for swift dispensation of the justice linking wildlife crimes. Development of molecular techniques is befitting the need of the time. The forensic laboratories often receive highly ill-treated samples for identification purposes, and thus, validation of any novel methodology is necessary for forensic usage. We validate a novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay, developed at this laboratory for the forensic identification of three Indian crocodiles, Crocodylus palustris, Crocodylus porosus, and Gavialis gangeticus, following the guidelines of Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods. The multiplex PCR was tested for its specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity, and stability. This study also includes the samples treated with various chemical substances and exposed to various environmental regimes. The result of this validation study promises this technique to be an efficient identification tool for Indian crocodiles and therefore is recommended for forensic purposes.     

Ultrafast Amplification of DNA on Plastic Microdevices for Forensic Short Tandem Repeat Analysis

The majority of microfluidic devices used as a platform for low‐cost, rapid DNA analysis are glass devices; however, microchip fabrication in glass is costly and laborious, enhancing the interest in polymeric substrates, such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), as an inexpensive alternative. Here, we report amplification in PMMA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microchips providing full short tandem repeat profiles (16 of 16 loci) in 30–40 min, with peak height ratios and stutter percentages that meet literature threshold requirements. In addition, partial profiles (15 of 16 loci) were generated using an ultrafast PCR method in 17.1 min, representing a ~10‐fold reduction in reaction time as compared to current amplification methods. Finally, a multichamber device was demonstrated to simultaneously amplify one positive, one negative, and five individual samples in 39 min. Although there were instances of loci dropout, this device represents a first step toward a microfluidic system capable of amplifying more than one sample simultaneously.     

Detection of microRNAs in DNA Extractions for Forensic Biological Source Identification

Molecular‐based approaches for biological source identification are of great interest in the forensic community because of a lack of sensitivity and specificity in current methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered due to their robust nature and tissue specificity; however, analysis requires a separate RNA extraction, requiring an additional step in the forensic analysis workflow. The purpose of this study was to evaluate miRNA detection in blood, semen, and saliva using DNA extraction methods commonly utilized for forensic casework. RT‐qPCR analysis revealed that the tested miRNAs were consistently detectable across most tested DNA extraction methods, but detection was significantly reduced compared to RNA extracts in some biological fluids. DNase treatment was not necessary to achieve miRNA‐specific results. A previously developed miRNA panel for forensic body fluid identification was evaluated using DNA extracts, and largely demonstrated concordance with results from samples deriving from RNA extracts of semen, blood, and saliva.     

15重快速STR复合扩增体系的构建

目的建立一套15重快速STR复合扩增体系。方法选择14个常染色体基因座以及1个性别基因座,采用Fast Start Taq DNA聚合酶系统,以DNA标准品9947A为模板,通过筛选扩增条件、选择热启动酶用量、调整引物平衡、优化快速扩增程序、筛选反应缓冲液、选择反应体系以及筛选添加剂等一系列复合扩增实验,比较各条件下等位基因丢失和非特异性扩增情况。结果在以1 ng DNA为模板、0.4μL聚合酶及10×Fast Start高保真反应缓冲液构成10μL快速体系的条件下,32 min即可获得标准DNA全部15个STR基因座的完整分型,无等位基因丢失和非特异性扩增现象,等位基因均衡性良好。同时,5%甘油、0.01%明胶、0.05%明胶和5 mmol/L硫酸铵可作为PCR扩增过程中拟加入的反应添加剂。结论本研究建立的15重快速STR复合扩增体系可以明显缩短反应时间,提高样品检测效率。     

Qiagen's Investigator™ Quantiplex Kit as a Predictor of STR Amplification Success from Low‐Yield DNA Samples,

Qiagen's Investigator? Quantiplex kit, a total human DNA quantitation kit, has a 200‐base pair internal control, fast cycling time, and scorpion molecules containing a covalently linked primer, probe, fluorophore, and quencher. The Investigator? Quantiplex kit was evaluated to investigate a value under which complete short tandem repeat (STR) failure was consistently obtained. Buccal swabs were extracted using the Qiagen QIAamp^® DNA Blood Mini Kit, quantified with the Investigator? Quantiplex kit using a tested half‐volume reaction, amplified with the ABI AmpFlSTR^® Identifiler kit, separated on the 3100Avant Genetic Analyzer, and data analyzed with GeneMapper^® ID v.3.2. While undetected samples were unlikely to produce sufficient data for statistical calculations or CODIS upload (2.00 alleles and 0.82 complete loci on average), data may be useful for exclusionary purposes. Thus, the Investigator? Quantiplex kit may be useful for predicting STR success. These findings are comparable with previously reported data from the Quantifiler? Human kit.     

Fast Multiplexed Polymerase Chain Reaction for Conventional and Microfluidic Short Tandem Repeat Analysis

Abstract:  The time required for short tandem repeat (STR) amplification is determined by the temperature ramp rates of the thermal cycler, the components of the reaction mix, and the properties of the reaction vessel. Multiplex amplifications in microfluidic biochip-based and conventional tube-based thermal cyclers have been demonstrated in 17.3 and 19 min, respectively. Optimized 28-cycle amplification protocols generated alleles with signal strengths above calling thresholds, heterozygous peak height ratios of greater than 0.65, and incomplete nontemplate nucleotide addition and stutter of less than 15%. Full CODIS-compatible profiles were generated using the Profiler Plus ID, COfiler and Identifiler primer sets. PCR performance over a wide range of DNA template levels from 0.006 to 4 ng was characterized by separation and detection on a microfluidic electrophoresis system, Genebench-FX^™. The fast multiplex PCR approach has the potential to reduce process time and cost for STR analysis and enables development of a fully integrated microfluidic forensic DNA analysis system.     

Y-haplotype screening of local patrilineages followed by autosomal STR typing can detect likely perpetrators in some populations

The male-specific, human Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are very useful in forensic analysis and human evolution studies. The authors report two sexual crime cases in which the perpetrators were successfully traced using Y-haplotype screening of local patrilineages followed by autosomal STR typing. First, several main local patrilineages from local cases were investigated using Y-STR haplotyping, aimed to find the pedigrees whose haplotypes were identical or similar to those of the crime scene samples. Then, several key suspects were defined from the screened pedigrees, and autosomal STR typing was performed to identify the perpetrator of the crime. The application of Y-haplotype screening of local patrilineages followed by autosomal STR typing in these two cases demonstrates its usefulness for solving sexually related crimes in certain populations.     

Investigation of Reproducibility and Error Associated with qPCR Methods using Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification Kit*

Abstract: Reproducibility of quantitative PCR results is dependent on the generation of consistent calibration curves via accurate volume transfers and instrument performance. A review of 14 standard curves, using two different QuantDuo^® standard DNA lots, showed variability of cycle threshold values between assays were larger than those of the Internal PCR Control (IPC). This prompted a set of experiments designed to determine the source of variability. Results showed that error introduced during DNA addition to the plate resulted in little variation. A comparison of seven independent series demonstrated cycle threshold variation between dilutions was larger than the variation expected from repeated samples. Modeling the influence of pipette errors on dilution series accuracy indicated that a more rigorous approach to external calibration curve production is required and showed that improvement in calibration curve stability is expected if the pipette conditions are carefully chosen and/or a single validated curve is utilized as the calibrator.     

Increasing Allele Detection by Altering the Quantity of Internal Lane Standard

Electrokinetic injection (EI) is the primary method used in forensic laboratories to load amplified PCR product in capillary electrophoresis for short tandem repeat (STR) fragment separation. Because all samples subjected to capillary electrophoresis use internal lane standard (ILS), this study investigated the consequence of varying the volume of ILS and its effects on allele peak heights and number of alleles detected. Results demonstrated that when the volume of ILS is reduced, the average peak height and number of alleles increased, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the detection method. Sizing anomalies were observed; however, they did not adversely affect accuracy and precision. The method developed in this study offers a simple and universal procedure to increase the alleles detected in forensic STR analysis. Reducing the volume of ILS to achieve greater sensitivity is applicable to all STR amplification kits and capillary electrophoresis instruments currently used in forensic DNA analysis.     

Characterization of the N+3 stutter product in the trinucleotide repeat locus DYS392

Stutter products generated during DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may complicate mixture interpretation. The PCR amplification of the DYS392 locus typically results in three distinct detectable PCR products: the true allele product (N), a stutter product three bases smaller (N-3), and a reproducible low-level product, three bases larger (N+3). Sequence analysis of the N+3 product demonstrated that its sequence is one TAT repeat longer than the true allele product. Our experiments demonstrated that the quantity of both N-3 and N+3 stutter increased as the allele number increased. The percent stutter also increased as the magnesium concentration was increased in the reaction, as well as when the amount of input DNA was decreased. As both stutter products behave in a similar and reproducible fashion, the same rules that apply to the interpretation of N-3 stutter products in short tandem repeat analysis, can be applied to N+3 stutters. The characterization of the DYS392 N+3 product is the first detailed published study of a stutter product larger than the true allele.     

Direct PCR Improves the Recovery of DNA from Various Substrates

This study reports on the comparison of a standard extraction process with the direct PCR approach of processing low-level DNA swabs typical in forensic investigations. Varying concentrations of control DNA were deposited onto three commonly encountered substrates, brass, plastic, and glass, left to dry, and swabbed using premoistened DNA-free nylon FLOQswabs^™. Swabs (n = 90) were either processed using the DNA IQ^™ kit or, for direct PCR, swab fibers (~2 mm²) were added directly to the PCR with no prior extraction. A significant increase in the height of the alleles (p < 0.005) was observed when using the direct PCR approach over the extraction methodology when controlling for surface type and mass of DNA deposited. The findings indicate the potential use of direct PCR for increasing the PCR product obtained from low-template DNA samples in addition to minimizing contamination and saving resources.     

A real-time multiplex SNP melting assay to discriminate individuals

A method that quickly and inexpensively differentiates crime scene samples from multiple donors would expedite casework analysis by allowing the selection of probative items requiring comprehensive testing. This new method need not be perfectly definitive nor give a complete 13 locus short tandem repeat (STR) profile; it simply must be able to differentiate between most victim and suspect samples. We describe the development of multiplex, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to fulfill this need. Dual probes, one fluorescently labeled and the other labeled with a quencher, are monitored during a melt analysis to reveal an increase in fluorescence, which allows the assessment of the two SNP alleles. Two alternate 6-plex assays (with and without gender determination) have been developed for the six-color RG6000 real-time instrument (Corbett Robotics, Inc.) and one seven SNP plus gender assay (performed as two 4-plex assays, one with gender the other without) have been developed for use in four/five color real-time instruments. This technique can discriminate between 95% and 99% of samples from different individuals. This assay is fast (approximately 2 h), much less expensive than STR analysis, and uses a real-time PCR instrument which is found in most forensic and molecular biology labs.