Polymorphism of structural genes of human mitochondrial DNA for forensic medical personal identification

An experimental study is described, which deals with polymorphism of nucleotide sequences of three structural genes of mitochondrial genome, i.e. of the 3d, small 4th, and 6th subunits of the NADN dehydrogenase complex (ND3, ND4L and ND6) sampled from Russian population. The genetic primary structure was analyzed in 63 unrelated individuals. The investigated locuses were shown to possess a pronounced polymorphism. A total of 19 polymorphic positions were detected in the ND3, ND4L and ND6 gene region within the studied sampling. Besides, a possibility is demonstrated in the paper that the mtDNA structural genes can be used as additional identification markers in the forensic experimental typing of the mtDNA control region.     

线粒体16srRNA和ND4基因在种属鉴定中的应用研究

目的构建一种用于种属鉴定的线粒体DNA(m tDNA)16 srRNA和ND4基因荧光标记复合扩增检测体系。方法利用引物设计软件(Prim er 5)对两个m tDNA序列ND4基因和16 srRNA基因设计两对引物,每对引物中的一条在5’端标记荧光素(6-FAM)。按传统复合扩增技术建立复合扩增体系,用AB I PR ISM 310基因分析仪对产物进行分析。结果人类DNA扩增产物出现两个峰,片段大小分别为110bp的人类特异片段和149bp的人与动物共有片段,而动物DNA扩增产物出现一个峰,片段大小为149bp。对30个实验室存放5~15年的陈旧人血痕也能明确判断其种属来源。结论该体系可以明确区分人源性生物检材与其它常见动物样本,对实验室长期存放的陈旧检材也具有较好的检测能力。     

线粒体16SrRNA和Cytb基因复合扩增进行种属鉴定

目的 建立一种用于种属鉴定的线粒体DNA16SrRNA基因和细胞色素b基因荧光标记复合扩增检测体系。方法 利用引物设计软件Primer 5．0对mtDNA序列的16SrRNA基因和细胞色素b基因各设计一对引物,建立复合扩增体系,分别扩增人和牛、猪、狗、鸡、草鱼5种常见动物,用310遗传分析仪对产物进行分析。结果 人和5种动物DNA扩增产物均出现两个峰。Cytb通用引物的扩增产物为人与动物的共有峰,为358bp;16SrRNA基因的扩增产物为人与动物间存在位置差异的特异峰,位于231～256bp之间。结论 该复合扩增体系可以明确区分人和5种动物样本,可用于种属鉴定。     

Significance of mitochondrial DNA for forensic stain analysis, identification and forensic lineage determination

DNA testing using conventional STR systems may produce insufficient results, if the genomic DNA in the specimen is either highly degraded or the available quantity is very small (e.g. skin particles, hair shafts or ancient bones). In some of these cases the examination of mitochondrial DNA, which is present in considerably larger copy numbers in the cytoplasm, is more successful than that of nuclear DNA. Identification of unknown corpses by conventional DNA typing sometimes remains doubtful, if only samples from presumably distant relatives or putative brothers or sisters are available for comparison. Since mitochondrial DNA is generally transmitted in maternal lineages, its sequence pattern can be directly compared with those of other individuals and, in case of the same maternal lineage, corresponding sequence chromatograms are to be expected. In connection with nuclear DNA typing methods certain sequence motives may furnish clues to ethnic groups. The report presents three cases illustrating the application possibilities of mtDNA typing in forensic practice.     

线粒体DNA短片段复合扩增系统鉴别种属的研究

目的建立线粒体DNA短片段复合扩增体系用于种属鉴定的方法。方法提取人、牛、猪、羊、鸡的DNA,用所选的3对引物复合扩增细胞色素b基因（cyt b）片段、16srRNA基因片段和ND4基因片段,扩增产物经琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测。结果人DNA扩增产物在358bp、157bp和110bp处各出现一条带;动物DNA扩增产物均只有358bp一条带。结论线粒体DNA短片段复合扩增鉴别种属的方法可区分人源性生物检材和其它动物样本,可应用于法庭科学实践。     

Optimization of a duplex amplification and sequencing strategy for the HVI/HVII regions of human mitochondrial DNA for forensic casework

A duplex primer set for the amplification of mitochondrial DNA HVI and HVII control regions was evaluated for the optimization of a DNA sequencing protocol suitable for forensic casework. HVI and HVII products, with the absence of non-specific products, could be detected by agarose gel electrophoresis when as little as 0.5 and 0.1pg of DNA were amplified for 34 and 38 cycles, respectively. Because HVI and HVII amplicons are co-synthesized in the duplex PCR, fewer steps are required (lessening the risk of cross contamination events) and more frugal use of precious extracted DNA samples is possible, both desirable features for forensic casework. The ABI Prism BigDyetrade mark version 1.1 chemistry provided high quality sequencing data, with little or no background noise and uniform peak heights, outcomes that favored reliable detection of heteroplasmy, particularly at early sequence reads (<40 bases). Optimal compromise between sensitivity and sequence accuracy in the absence of noise was achieved starting at 150 mitochondrial genome copies. The protocol is effective (no sequence errors) with highly degraded DNA (average detectable template size of 200bp). Dual artificial template mixtures with the minor component at 15% suggests that heteroplasmy should be detected at this level with confidence.     

Routine forensic use of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene for species identification

Since July 2004, Mitotyping Technologies has been amplifying and sequencing a approximately 150 base pair fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that codes for 12S ribosomal RNA, to identify the species origin of nonhuman casework samples. The approximately 100 base pair sequence product is searched at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST and the species match is reported. The use of this assay has halved the number of samples for which no mtDNA results are obtained and is especially useful on hairs and degraded samples. The availability of species determination may aid forensic investigators in opening or closing off lines of inquiry where a highly probative but challenging sample has been collected.     

Multiplex PCR electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS): Application to forensic mitochondrial DNA examinations

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) examinations play an important role in criminal investigations, identification of victims of mass disasters, and association of unidentified remains with family members. Typically, HV1 and HV2 are amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by fluorescent sequencing. While this method produces the highest level of resolution, it is labor intensive and unable to distinguish components of a mixture. Previously, an electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) method was described to determine the base composition profile of enzymatically digested PCR amplified fragments derived from the HV1 and HV2 regions. Advantages of ESI-MS compared to sequencing include speed of analysis, automation, and increased sensitivity, while retaining a high degree of resolution. Here, we report the next generation of this method in which a base composition profile is determined from 24 overlapping PCR reactions. Because ESI-MS provides the relative abundance of each component present, this method allows for the quantitative typing of mixtures. This ESI-MS method does not rely on a priori knowledge of variable sites, allowing the capture of private mutations and individual-specific variation. Due to the multiplex design, automation, speed of analysis, and ability to interrogate mixtures, this method provides a powerful and rapid tool for forensic mtDNA examinations.     

纳米科技与法医DNA检验

综述了纳米科技进步将对法医DNA检验产生的深远影响,对从DNA提取到基因芯片研究等多个未来研究的新方向进行了探讨。     

线粒体DNA的研究进展及其法医学应用

线粒体DNA(mitochondrialDNA,mtDNA)是存在于细胞质内的环状DNA。它的存在早在三十多年前就有人提出。如今,关于线粒体的研究领域是生物医学中发展最快的学科之一。它的发展基于一些很基本且有趣的问题的提出,这些问题主要是关于线粒体是如何进化,如何产生能量。另外,在疾病中线粒体基因如何发生突变、细胞凋亡如何受到它的调节、以及衰老如何对线粒体DNA发生影响等问题都有待解答,而且对这些问题的探讨将会对诸如人类学、法医学以及疾病的治疗有很大的用途。     

人类线粒体DNA异质性研究进展及在法医学中的应用

线粒体DNA(mtDNA)异质性的存在使其在法医学应用变得复杂。本文对mtDNA异质性形成的可能原因、异质性的分布和遗传特点、异质性的筛查和定量方法、异质性对法医学的影响以及异质性的研究和展望等方面进行综述,探讨异质性在法医学上的应用价值。     

人线粒体DNA序列分析在法医学中的应用研究及其进展

综述人线粒体DNA(m tDNA)序列分析在法医学种属鉴别、个体识别,以及个体年龄推断中的应用研究及其进展,展望对m tDNA异质性的研究及建立人m tDNA数据库,并具有重要的法医学实践意义。     

人类线粒体DNA非编码区的序列分析与法医学应用

一、人类线粒体ＤＮＡ(ｍｔＤＮＡ)序列分析和应用的历史沿革1 981年Ａｎｄｅｒｓｏｎ完成了人类线粒体基因组的全部核苷酸序列的测定 ,并提出人类ｍｔＤＮＡ呈闭合环状 ,总长度为 1 6 5 6 9ｂｐ[1 ] 。在此基础上 ,许多学者致力于分析这一环状小分子ＤＮＡ ,以揭示ｍｔＤＮＡ的序列多态性程度。早期主要采用ＲＦＬＰ技术 ,如Ｇｒｅｅｎｂｅｒｇ等[2 ] 、Ｈｏｒａｉ等[3] 用ＲＦＬＰ技术对人类ｍｔＤＮＡ进行了序列分析 ,结果显示 :人类ｍｔＤＮＡ的序列多态性仅局限于长度约为 1 .1ｋｂ的非编码区 ,称之为Ｄ -Ｌｏｏｐ区 ,其中包含两个长度…     

DNA typing for identification of some species of Calliphoridae. An interest in forensic entomology.

To determine precisely post mortem interval, larvae and puparium species found on a corpse have to be identified. Among more than 200 cases examined at the entomology department of the Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, two-thirds concerned corpses less than one month old. Therefore, insects from first and second screwworms are the most frequently found [1]. Some species commonly found in France, such as different Lucilia and Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, are easily identifiable at an adult stage, but are almost impossible to differentiate at immature stages when only fragments of puparium or necrosed first instar larvae are available. For this reason, an easy and objective method of identification was thus searched by genetic analysis of these insects. Sequencing of partial gene of sub unit I of cytochrome oxydase has been used to predict restriction sites. Restriction enzyme cleavage of PCR products with Dde I allowed us to differentiate these species.     

Application of mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis in the forensic identification of Chinese sika deer subspecies

As a direct and indirect consequence of human activities, only two subspecies, Cervus nippon sinchuanicus and Cervus nippon kopschi, currently subsist in the wild of China. However, a large population of Cervus nippon hortulorum and Cervus nippon nippon is raised in order to gain deer parts for Chinese traditional medicine. According to Chinese Wild Animal Conservation Law, hunting, capturing and trading of the wild sika deer are strictly banned, however, raising and trading of the domestic individual are permitted. Thus, it is very necessary to identify the subspecies of sika deer in China in forensic tests. In our study, we used mitochondrial DNA control region sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis to identify the subspecies of sika deer. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences analysis revealed that two haplotypes came from the unknown samples. One is the same as the haplotype that came from the samples of wild population of C. n. kopschi. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the two haplotypes of unknown samples clustered with the haplotypes of C. n. kopschi, and had significant difference from the haplotypes of the other subspecies. These results together revealed that the unknown samples came from two individuals that belong to the wild population of C. n. kopschi living in the Qinglingfeng State Natural Reserve of Zhejiang province. Therefore, the results provide forensic evidence of illegal wild animal hunting.     

人类线粒体DNA非编码区的序列分析与法医学应用

一、人类线粒体DNA(mtDNA)序列分析和应用的历史沿革 1981年Anderson完成了人类线粒体基因组的全部核苷酸序列的测定,并提出人类mtDNA呈闭合环状,总长度为16 569bp[1].在此基础上,许多学者致力于分析这一环状小分子DNA,以揭示mtDNA的序列多态性程度.早期主要采用RFLP技术,如Greenberg等[2]、Horai等[3]用RFLP技术对人类mtDNA进行了序列分析,结果显示:人类mtDNA的序列多态性仅局限于长度约为1.1kb的非编码区,称之为D-Loop区,其中包含两个长度各为400bp的高度可变区-HV1和HV2;不同个体的mtDNA存在长度变异和序列变异,结果也提示人类线粒体DNA比核DNA有更高的突变率,为核DNA的5～10倍.甚至某些区域是核DNA的6～17倍.到了90年代,DNA自动测序技术在mtDNA研究上的普及应用,大大促进了研究的发展,不少学者提出人类mtDNA的序列分析可用于法医学个人识别.如Stonking等[4]用SSO杂交技术,Sulivan等[5]和Holland等[6]用直接测序法分别对时间久远(最长达24a)的尸体残骸的mtDNA进行序列分析,并与其可疑母系亲属进行比对,为尸源追踪提供了证据. 国内法医学者也于90年代中期开始了对我国汉族人群的mtDNA D-Loop区的序列进行分析[7,8],并陆续有将mtDNA的序列分析用于法医个人识别的报道,如公安部二所的刘冰等[9]将对脱落毛发的mtDNA嵌套式扩增的方法用于模板量很少的案例的个人识别,获得成功. 二、人类mtDNA序列分析的现状目前对mtDNA序列的分析方法多采用对其PCR产物的自动测序,所用检材包括血液、毛发、皮肤、指甲、骨骼、胎盘等多种组织,仍以Aderson所报道的序列为参考序列.     

DNA barcoding as a tool for species identification in three forensic wildlife cases in South Africa

Poaching of wildlife animals for subsistence and commercial purposes has lead to population declines in Africa. In forensic cases, a need exists to identify the species of origin of carcasses, meat or blood. In the study presented here, the mitochondrial COI gene was sequenced to determine the species of unknown samples in three suspect South African forensic wildlife cases. In two cases the unknown samples were identified as originating from domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and in the third case the sample was identified as common reedbuck (Redunca arundinum). This is the first report of the COI sequence of common reedbuck. The study highlights the need for accurate wildlife reference material from each country in order to convict wildlife cases.     

mtDNA—HVⅠ和细胞色素b片段的复合扩增及其法医学应用

目的探讨复合扩增mtDNA D环HV I和细胞色素b片段进行种属鉴定和个体识别的方法及mtDNA-HV I多态性。方法用两对引物同步扩增HV I片段与细胞色素b片段,银染显带检测扩增产物,ABI377测序仪及荧光测序技术分析扩增产物序列多态性。结果人类有279bp,358bp两条带,动物只有358bp一条带。通过对131例随机广东汉族人群个体进行mtDNA控制区(15997～16236))序列测定统计,得出此区域的序列多态性。共发现69个位点变异,平均每个个体存在2.679个碱基突变,检出67个单倍型,基因多样性为97.92％。结论mtDNA控制区(15997—16236)具有较高的序列多态性。为良好的个体识别标记。复合扩增mtDNA D环HV I与细胞色素b片段进行测序分析可以同步进行种属鉴定和个体识别。     

Optimization and validation of a fast amplification protocol for AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus for rapid forensic human identification

The goal of this work was to optimize and validate a fast amplification protocol for the multiplex amplification of the STR loci included in AmpFlSTR^® Profiler Plus^® to expedite human DNA identification. By modifying the cycling conditions and by combining the use of a DNA polymerase optimized for high speed PCR (SpeedSTAR™ HS) and a more efficient thermal cycler instrument (Bio-RAD C1000™), we were able to reduce the amplification process from 4 h to 26 min. No modification to the commercial AmpFlSTR^® Profiler Plus^® primer mix was required. When compared to the current Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) amplification protocol, no differences with regards to specificity, sensitivity, heterozygote peak height ratios and overall profile balance were noted. Moreover, complete concordance was obtained with profiles previously generated with the standard amplification protocol and minor alleles in mixture samples were reliably typed. An increase in n − 4 stutter ratios (2.2% on average for all loci) was observed for profiles amplified with the fast protocol compared to the current procedure. Our results document the robustness of this rapid amplification protocol for STR profiling using the AmpFlSTR^® Profiler Plus^® primer set and demonstrate that comparable data can be obtained in substantially less time. This new approach could provide an alternative option to current multiplex STR typing amplification protocols in order to increase throughput or expedite time-sensitive cases.     

TWGDAM validation of AmpFlSTR PCR amplification kits for forensic DNA casework

Laboratory procedures used in short tandem repeat (STR) analysis were subjected to various scenarios that assessed reliability and identified potential limitations. These validation studies were designed as recommended by the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM) and the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) (17,18). Various DNA samples were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using AmpFlSTR PCR Amplification Kits (i.e., AmpFlSTR Green I, Profiler, Profiler Plus, and COfiler kits), detected with ABI Prism instrumentation, and analyzed using GeneScan and Genotyper software. Data acquired in these studies reinforced an existing body of knowledge and expertise regarding application and interpretation of STR typing in the forensic science community. Consistent STR genotypes were detected in various body tissues and fluids. Inter-laboratory comparisons produced concordant genotype results. Quantitative interpretational aids for DNA mixtures were characterized. Ability of the typing systems to type potentially compromised samples reliably was evaluated. Nonprobative case evidentiary DNA was successfully amplified, genotyped, and interpreted. Potential limitations or cautionary factors in the interpretation of minimal fluorescence intensity were demonstrated. Differential amplification between loci was observed when PCR was inhibited; preferential amplification typically was not. Single AmpFlSTR locus amplification did not offer consistent benefit over AmpFlSTR multiplexing, even in cases of DNA degradation or PCR inhibition. During rigorous evaluation, AmpFlSTR PCR Amplification Kits reproducibly yielded sensitive and locus-specific results, as required in routine forensic analyses.