The fingernails of Mary Sullivan: developing reliable methods for selectively isolating endogenous and exogenous DNA from evidence

The fingernails of Mary Sullivan, the last victim of the Boston Strangler, were examined to determine if any genetic information about the murderer could be obtained. The nails were extremely friable necessitating the development of new techniques for isolating and purifying DNA. DNA yields from nails were optimized by using a NaOH-based preparation technique, which was simple, efficient, and minimized handling. Methods for selectively and thoroughly removing exogenous material on nails were also developed through use of a species-specific PCR assay, wherein mitochondrial DNA from the nail could easily be differentiated from DNA of contaminating cells.     

压力循环技术用于人指甲DNA提取及方法学评价

目的将压力循环技术（PCT）用于指甲DNA提取,并对方法学进行评价。方法收集10份人指甲样本,剪碎约为1mm×1mm大小,采用10%漂白粉水,10%SDS,10%漂白粉水,无菌水清洗样本。10份样本各分成两组,1组用压力循环技术处理,另1组不作处理,提取DNA经复合扩增并进行STR分型检测,用于评价压力循环技术的作用。取5份指甲样本用血浸泡,5份用去离子水浸泡,之后采用上述清洗方法各清洗1-3次,收集各次清洗用的无菌水提取DNA,经STR分型检测,用于评价清洗对去除外源性DNA的效果。结果 10份经压力循环技术处理的样本中有7例比相应未经处理样本DNA提取量更高,但两组进行统计学处理,差异不具有统计学意义（P〉0.05）;两组样本中提取DNA含量在0.026 ng以上的样本均得到完整的STR分型,与相应口腔拭子样本对照准确无误。血污染和非血污染样本清洗二次以上,均可避免外源性DNA的污染。结论使用压力循环技术并配合本文清洗方法,可有效提高人指甲DNA的提取效率,并避免外源性生物DNA的干扰,保证DNA分型结果的准确。     

An evaluation of the relevance of routine DNA typing of fingernail clippings for forensic casework

DNA extracted from fingernail clippings of victims in forensic cases is a possible source of DNA from the perpetrator in cases where victims struggled or defended themselves. The source of this DNA on a victim's fingernails could possibly originate from contact with the suspect's blood, saliva, semen or scratched skin. In this technical note we evaluate the relevance of routine DNA typing of fingernail clippings in the forensic biology laboratory when, in real casework, normally only small quantities of nail material is sent. This was carried out by extracting DNA from fingernail clippings from a number of volunteers, before and after aggressively scratching other volunteers. No blood was drawn from the scratching, but skin flakes were observed under the nails before cutting and subsequent DNA typing. The DNA extracted was then typed using the STR systems: HUMTHO1, HUMTPOX and HUMCSF1PO (CTT triplex) and the system of D1S80. These profiles were compared with profiles achieved by similar typing of buccal swabs as a reference from each volunteer. In this study, the profile detected from each volunteer's clippings was the same before and after scratching, and matched the profile of the corresponding volunteer as defined by typing each volunteer's reference buccal swab. Fingernail clippings that are sent to our lab in actual casework are usually so small that additional treatment by swabbing or removing debris from below the clipping is not possible. For this reason, in this simulation the entire clippings were used for DNA extraction, to maximize the possibility of finding an additional profile. In conclusion, the findings from this study show that although the profiles obtained when typing fingernail clippings are those of the donors themselves, we suggest that typing of fingernail clippings should be carried out in forensic cases only when relevant. We would suggest that fingernail clippings not be routinely sent to the biology laboratory as items of evidence to be tested.     

A validation study for the extraction and analysis of DNA from human nail material and its application to forensic casework.

A validation study was conducted to demonstrate that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) could be successfully extracted from human nail material and analyzed using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling and/or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing. This study involved the development of a DNA extraction protocol that includes a cleaning procedure designed to remove external contaminants (e.g., biological, chemical). This protocol was used to test human nail material that had been soaked in whole blood from a second donor and coated with gold-palladium to simulate scanning electron microscopic analysis. The results showed no indication of a mixture and were consistent with that of the nail donor. Fresh human nail material usually yielded both STR profiles and mtDNA sequence information; however, aged human nail material (approximately eight years old) yielded only mtDNA sequence information. Upon completion of the validation study, the extraction protocol was used for the analysis of a torn fingernail fragment recovered from the scene of a violent homicide in 1983. A partial STR profile and mtDNA sequence information indicated that the fingernail fragment was excluded as originating from the suspect and was, in fact, consistent with originating from one of the victims.     

Typing of the locus DYS19 from DNA derived from fingernail clippings using PCR Concert rapid purification system

DNA extracted from the fingernails of female victims of a violent or aggressive act may assist in the identification of the male. Sometimes with the current autosomal STR loci, however, the victim's profile may mask the perpetrator's DNA profile or the perpetrator's DNA may be substantially lower in quantity than that of the victim's DNA. Thus, under these conditions, no characterization is possible. In this paper, an alternative DNA extraction procedure was employed, and the application of an STR locus residing on the Y chromosome DYS19 was typed to allow for genetic characterization of the perpetrator in such cases.     

Utility validation of extraction of genomic DNA from hard tissues, bone and nail, using PrepFiler™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit

STR profiling using hard tissues obtained from a severely decomposed body is sometimes a laborious work. There is now on a market a new DNA extraction kit, PrepFiler™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit (AppliedBiosystems), and we tested it for missing persons. Postmortem intervals ranged from weeks to several years. Fifteen bone fragments and eleven nails were used in this report. Genomic DNA was quantified by QuantiFiler^® DUO Quantification Kit (AppliedBiosystems), and STRs were analyzed using AmpFlSTR^® Identifiler^® PCR Amplification Kit (AppliedBiosystems). The profiling of 16 STR loci was successful in all nail samples. However, STR profiling was successful in only 6 of 15 bone materials. Nine cases failed to analyze STR polymorphisms using another DNA extraction kit, the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN). For bone samples, it seems that STR profiling depends on the quality of samples.     

指甲DNA的STR分型研究

目的 研究尸体所处环境、指甲DNA提取部位及提取方法对STR分型的影响。方法 对案件中不同条件腐败尸体指甲,使用不同部位、不同体系和时间消化,酚-氯仿法提取指甲核DNA,进行PCR扩增及STR分型。结果 提取指甲甲体、甲根部位均可获得STR分型。结论 指甲是法医检案中一类具有实用价值的检材。     

DNA Typing for the Identification of Old Skeletal Remains from Korean War Victims*

Abstract: The identification of missing casualties of the Korean War (1950–1953) has been performed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles, but recent advances in DNA extraction techniques and approaches using smaller amplicons have significantly increased the possibility of obtaining DNA profiles from highly degraded skeletal remains. Therefore, 21 skeletal remains of Korean War victims and 24 samples from biological relatives of the supposed victims were selected based on circumstantial evidence and/or mtDNA‐matching results and were analyzed to confirm the alleged relationship. Cumulative likelihood ratios were obtained from autosomal short tandem repeat, Y‐chromosomal STR, and mtDNA‐genotyping results, and mainly confirmed the alleged relationship with values over 10⁵. The present analysis emphasizes the value of mini‐ and Y‐STR systems as well as an efficient DNA extraction method in DNA testing for the identification of old skeletal remains.     

Determination of ABO antigens in fingernails using the APAAP (immunoalkaline phosphatase) technique

Fingernail specimens with adherent nail-bed were taken from autopsy material with blood groups A, AB, B and O. Frozen 4-5-microns sections were submerged and floated carefully during each working step. Portions of fingernails were contaminated with blood and buccal cells, respectively. Furthermore, fingernail fragments of 8 volunteers were embedded in a biocomponent adhesive according to Grieve and Kotowski (Forensic Sci. Soc., 26 29-34) (1986) and cut by the usual microtome technique. APAAP staining is a proper method for demonstrating blood group antigens in fingernails from groove to margin. Frozen sections as well as smallest specimen embedded in a suitable adhesive are applicable for staining procedures. Using freshly prepared artificial stains, blood group constellations of red blood cells and/or buccal cells adherent on the surface of fingernails may be distinguished from the nail matrix.     

Examination of pretreatment methods for DNA extraction from nails

In the conventional method of DNA extraction from nails, it takes approximately half a day to dissolve the nails. In this study, we examined whether using the HOrizontal Nail MAshing (HONMA) method, in which pressure is applied to the nail to crush it flat and increase its surface area, would improve DNA extraction efficiency. Fingernails (5 mg) provided by ten volunteers were used as samples. Nail pieces (1–3 pieces), shredded with nail clippers, were thinly stretched by applying 2 t of pressure to each piece using a hydraulic press. DNA was extracted by incubation at 56 °C for 10 min and 1 h during proteolysis. DNA yield from the nails pretreated using the HONMA method increased by 0.20–7.10 times compared with that from unprocessed nails. In particular, 10-min incubation using the HONMA method resulted in an average 2.05-fold increase in DNA yield compared with that under overnight incubation. However, the impact of using the HONMA method varied widely among individuals, and the amount of extracted DNA decreased in some cases, suggesting that the yield may differ depending on the nail quality.     

Validation and casework application of a Y chromosome specific STR multiplex

A series of validation experiments was performed for a Y chromosome specific STR multiplex system following the suggestions made by the Technical Working Group DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM). The multiplex PCR products were detected on Perkin-Elmer 373 and 377 automated sequencers using two labeling colors. No problems regarding the stability, robustness and sensitivity of the Y STR multiplex were observed. Mixture studies revealed a cut off rate similar to autosomal STRs for mixtures of male DNAs and no interference of any female admixture. The comparison of the Y STR results to the autosomal typing results for 56 nonprobative semen stains and swabs, showed a slightly higher success rate in detecting the semen donor's alleles for the Y STR multiplex. Two examples are shown to illustrate the usefulness of Y STR typing for DNA mixtures. In one case the Y STR results confirmed an isolated exclusion; in the other case, the interpretation of a mixture was clarified since the Y STR results proved the presence of DNA from at least two semen donors. Y STR typing is a valuable addition to the forensic DNA testing panel.     

Validation and casework application of a Y chromosome specific STR multiplex

A series of validation experiments was performed for a Y chromosome specific STR multiplex system following the suggestions made by the Technical Working Group DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM). The multiplex PCR products were detected on Perkin-Elmer 373 and 377 automated sequencers using two labeling colors. No problems regarding the stability, robustness and sensitivity of the Y STR multiplex were observed. Mixture studies revealed a cut off rate similar to autosomal STRs for mixtures of male DNAs and no interference of any female admixture. The comparison of the Y STR results to the autosomal typing results for 56 nonprobative semen stains and swabs, showed a slightly higher success rate in detecting the semen donor’s alleles for the Y STR multiplex. Two examples are shown to illustrate the usefulness of Y STR typing for DNA mixtures. In one case the Y STR results confirmed an isolated exclusion; in the other case, the interpretation of a mixture was clarified since the Y STR results proved the presence of DNA from at least two semen donors. Y STR typing is a valuable addition to the forensic DNA testing panel.     

DNA IQ^TM SYSTEM在疑难指甲DNA检验中的应用

目的探索DNA IQTMSYSTEM在疑难指甲DNA提取中的应用。方法 15份疑难指甲采用Chelex方法检验没有成功获得STR分型图谱,采用DNA IQTMSYSTEM提取法并纯化,采用Identifiler PLUS试剂盒进行复合扩增,产物经ABI3130XL型DNA基因分析仪检测。结果成功获得15例疑难指甲的STR基因座DNA分型。结论 DNA IQTMSYSTEM方法能快速、有效提取疑难指甲DNA进行STR分型。     

Genetic Identification of Communist Crimes’ Victims (1944–1956) Based on the Analysis of One of Many Mass Graves Discovered on the Powazki Military Cemetery in Warsaw,Poland

As the result of the communist terror in Poland, during years 1944–1956 more than 50,000 people died. Their bodies were buried secretly, and most places are still unknown. The research presents the results of identification of people buried in one of many mass graves, which were found at the cemetery Pow?zki Military in Warsaw, Poland. Exhumation revealed the remains of eight people, among which seven were identified genetically. Well‐preserved molars were used for the study. Reference material was collected from the closest living relatives. In one case, an exhumation of victim's parents had to be performed. DNA from swabs was extracted with a PrepFiler^® BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit and organic method. Autosomal, Y‐STR amplification, and mtDNA sequencing were performed. The biostatistical calculations resulted in LR values from 1608 to 928 × 10¹⁸. So far, remains of more than 50 victims were identified.     

Development of a one-tube extraction and amplification method for DNA analysis of sperm and epithelial cells recovered from forensic samples by laser microdissection

Laser microdissection can be used in forensic casework to isolate specific cell types from mixtures of biological samples. Extraction of DNA from selected cells is still required prior to STR amplification. Because of the relatively pristine nature of the recovered cells, laser microdissection is more sensitive than more traditional methods of DNA analysis, theoretically resulting in DNA profiles from less cellular material. A one-tube extraction and amplification method minimises loss of DNA through liquid transfers and reduces the potential for contamination events occurring. In this paper, the development of a one-tube method for the effective extraction of DNA from laser microdissected sperm and epithelial cells is described. The performance of the in-house method was compared to that of a commercial DNA extraction kit for extraction of DNA from sperm and the downstream compatibility with STR amplification was determined for both sperm and epithelial samples. Full Identifiler™ profiles after 28 amplification cycles were obtained from as few as 15 epithelial cells and 30 sperm.     

The First Successful Use of a Low Stringency Familial Match in a French Criminal Investigation

We describe how a very simple application of familial searching resolved a decade‐old, high‐profile rape/murder in France. This was the first use of familial searching in a criminal case using the French STR DNA database, which contains approximately 1,800,000 profiles. When an unknown forensic profile (18 loci) was searched against the French arrestee/offender database using CODIS configured for a low stringency search, a single low stringency match was identified. This profile was attributed to the father of the man suspected to be the source of the semen recovered from the murder victim Elodie Kulik. The identification was confirmed using Y‐chromosome DNA from the putative father, an STR profile from the mother, and finally a tissue sample from the exhumed body of the man who left the semen. Because of this identification, the investigators are now pursuing possible co‐conspirators.     

STR Genotyping from a Dry‐Cleaned Skirt in a Sexual Assault Case

In this sexual assault case, the standard preliminary semen examinations could not confirm physically or biochemically whether the accused's semen had stained the victim's skirt because the skirt had been dry‐cleaned for stain removal and had been worn for more than a year after the assault. Fortunately, however, a photograph taken just after the assault was found in the court records that showed white stains on the checkered skirt. The locations of the stains were estimated based on the checkered pattern of the fabric, and microscopic examination using Baecchi's staining revealed the presence of spermatozoa. Further analysis indicated the male DNA profile generated from the sperm cells was consistent with the suspect's DNA using three multiplex STR typing systems for a total of 21 autosomal and 17 Y chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). Ultimately, the result of the DNA profile played a very useful role as additional evidence.     

精子细胞定向捕获与分离技术初步研究

目的探索并研究精子细胞定向捕获与分离技术,初步建立精子细胞特异性分离与DNA提取的方法与试剂体系。方法通过特异性定向捕获复合体（精子特异性抗体一磁性纳米微球）的制备,在一定的试剂体系环境下,实现精子细胞的定向捕获与分离。结果能够实现精子细胞的定向富集与分离,通过后续的提取过程,获得了高质量的DNA,并获得了相应的完整STR分型结果。     

A more efficient extraction method of human bone resulting in improved DNA profiling

Eight human bone samples, from a forensic case, were extracted in parallel using our standard protocol with and without PTB in the buffer. Both methods were sometimes inadequate for (complete) STR profiling, while the presence of PTB even decreases the DNA yield.The complete decalcification of the bone extraction residues in an EDTA-solution with SDS recovered sufficient amounts of DNA, which resulted in complete STR profiling for all samples. Complete decalcification without SDS yielded even higher amounts of DNA and also complete STR profiling for all samples.Similar results were obtained for the DNA extraction from a human tooth.     

两种包装方式对小体积生物检材DNA检验的影响

目的探讨一种适用于小体积生物物证检材的包装方式。方法选择M4型螺丝钉作为研究对象,经去污消毒处理,通过手握方式转移人体脱落细胞到其表面,对螺丝钉采用两种不同的包装方式(滤纸包裹和悬空固定),经KingFisher Flex自动提取工作站进行DNA提取,从基因座等位基因检出情况、STR分型谱带峰高、均衡性等方面比较两种包装方式对螺丝钉上DNA检出率的影响。结果悬空固定包装螺丝钉实验组获得的STR分型谱带峰高、均衡性等方面均优于滤纸包裹包装实验组,其在基因座检出数量、分型完全相同样本数及有效分型样本数方面也多于滤纸包裹包装实验组。结论为降低微量生物检材DNA二次转移造成的损耗,提高小体积生物检材DNA的检出率,建议对小体积生物检材采用悬空固定方式进行物证包装。