激光捕获显微分离技术在DNA检验中的应用研究

目的建立一套显微细胞捕获技术用于法医学生物检材DNA检验方法。方法使用VeritasTM LCM激光捕获仪,采用紫外加红外的捕获方式,对框架覆膜玻片上经苏木素染色口腔上皮细胞进行捕获,采用改良硅珠法提取细胞DNA,使用Identifiler TM试剂盒在5μL体系中进行PCR扩增。结果成功获得20个口腔上皮细胞的13个以上完整STR基因座分型谱带。结论本研究建立的方法适合法医学生物检材制成的染色涂片上细胞的DNA检验。     

激光捕获显微切割技术用于分离混合斑中精子细胞

目的 评估激光捕获显微切割(laser capture microdissection.LCM)技术在分离混合斑中少量精子细胞的应用价值.方法 配制不同比例的精液-阴道上皮细胞混合液.分别用差异裂解法和LCM法分离精子细胞,用磁珠法提取精子细胞DNA,并用IdentifilerTM试剂盒进行STR基因型检测.结果 LC...     

Genomic "dactyloscopy" in the expertise of disputed paternity and the determination of biological relationship

Genome "dactyloscopy" (DNA fingerprinting) is a principally new way of personal identification based on analysis of human genetic material (DNA); the difference in DNA structure of different subjects is the scientific basis of this method. This ensures opportunity to estimate biological relationship of persons positively. The authors were the first to demonstrate using certain expert material the adequacy and potentials of DNA fingerprinting by M 13 probe for medicolegal expert practice in most complicated cases of relationship determination requiring positive identification of paternity and maternity.     

荧光原位杂交技术在法庭科学DNA检验中的应用

目的运用荧光原位杂交技术结合激光显微切割技术,分离法医物证男女混合样本中的男性细胞和女性细胞,并进行DNA分型。方法通过双色荧光原位杂交,Y染色体标记上绿色信号,X染色体标记上红色信号,在荧光显微镜下识别男性细胞和女性细胞,并通过激光显微切割技术分别获得男性细胞和女性细胞进行DNA分型。结果运用荧光原位杂交技术,能够分别标记法医物证男女混合样本中的男性细胞和女性细胞,并通过激光显微切割技术获得各自的DNA分型。结论荧光原位杂交技术结合激光显微切割技术,可应用于法医物证男女混合样本的检验,提高个体识别能力。     

唾液及含唾液检材的DNA分析

提取160份唾液及含唾液的检材中的DNA，并根据DNA的质和量进行了DNA指纹图检验或应用聚合酶链反应（PCR）进行了DNA分型。结果表明，唾液和含唾液检材是很好的DNA来源．对其进行DNA分析是可行的。     

Touch DNA Collection Versus Firearm Fingerprinting: Comparing Evidence Production and Identification Outcomes

A project by a metropolitan police agency in 2008–2009 had police use touch DNA kits to collect cell samples from seized firearms. To assess outcomes, results of touch DNA swabbing of firearms were compared to fingerprinting firearm evidence. The rationale was that fingerprinting, as the older technology, was the baseline against which to compare touch DNA. But little is known about ways to measure touch DNA productivity compared to fingerprinting. To examine differences between the two requires comparable measurements. Two measures were used: quantity of probative or investigative evidence produced and identification outcomes. When applied to firearms seized within an Indianapolis, IN police district, touch DNA produced a larger volume of evidence than fingerprinting, but identification outcomes for the two methods were equal. Because touch DNA was deployed by police patrol officers, there are implications for firearm forensics and the choice of forensic approaches used by police.     

Typing of mitochondrial DNA from isolated cells of the human buccal epithelium

The authors have developed a method for molecular-genetic analysis of DNA from isolated cells for the purpose of forensic medical diagnostics. The method is based on the use of the laser capture microdissection (LCM) technology in combination with typing of mitochondrial DNA. Optimization of the conditions for amplification of polymorphic mtDNA loci in preparations containing minimal amounts of the genetic material was accomplished at the initial stage of the work. To this effect, the two-round polymerase chain reaction was employed that allowed the amplified material to be accumulated in the amount sufficient for sequenation. At the next stages, the system thus obtained was tested on the cell model (using isolated cells of human buccal epithelium). It was shown that the proposed method is suitable for the analysis of specific mtDNA characteristics in a single human cell.     

Evaluation of gastrointestinal cancer tissues as a source of genetic information for forensic investigations by using STRs

Malignant tissue samples may sometimes be the only source of biological material for forensic investigations, including identification of individuals or paternity testing. However, in use of such samples, uncertainties due to microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) often associated with neoplasias may be encountered. In this study, we have analysed the applicability of autosomal tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) markers, which are routinely used in forensic analysis, to gain genetic information. MSI and LOH were analysed in 41 surgically removed gastrointestinal cancer specimens and the adjascent non-cancerous tissue marginals. The cancer specimens showed great variability in their genetic phenotypes due to MSI or LOH, with only 32% being microsatellite-stable. Of the 15 autosomal STR loci analysed, only TH01 had no MSI-type alteration in these samples. The loci most frequently affected by MSI were D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51 and D19S433 (MSI in 15-17% of cases). LOH-type alterations were observed at all of the loci, including the amelogenin locus used for sex determination. The highest LOH frequency was found at locus D18S51 (27%). The genetic alterations at the marker loci may indicate false homozygosity or heterozygosity, and false gender may result from erroneous deduction of DNA profiles. Therefore, typing of autosomal STRs from malignant tissues in forensic settings warrants careful interpretation of MSI and LOH results together with microscopic analysis of a tissue specimen. Results by two commercially available and widely used forensic DNA profiling kits used here were comparable.     

Presentation of a three-banded allele pattern--analysis and interpretation

The Israel police forensic biology laboratory received as an item of evidence in an attempted murder case, a pair of trousers belonging to a suspect. A bloodstain was observed on the trousers and analyzed by STR typing for nine loci using the Promega GenePrint STR silver stain detection kits. The genetic profile defined was found to be identical to that of the victim's at all nine loci. Within this profile a three-banded allele pattern was observed at the D16S539 locus, both in the bloodstain and in the victim's reference blood sample. Confirmation of this phenomenon was accomplished by amplifying the extracted DNA from both the trousers and the victim's blood sample using the PowerPlex 16 kit by Promega and the AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit by Perkin Elmer, followed by analysis of the amplification products by capillary electrophoresis on the ABI prism 310 genetic analyzer. The same three-banded allele pattern was observed at the D16S539 locus in both specimen and reference DNA, using each of the three kits. Three additional loci located on chromosome 16 (D16S3407, D16S2617 and D16S3082), not employed for forensic identification, were also analyzed and did not show three-banded allele pattern.     

激光显微捕获技术用于尿液脱落细胞DNA检测

目的采用激光显微捕获技术（LCM）捕获尿液脱落细胞,并进行STR分型。方法收集10份健康成人尿液样本,根据储存时间分组,其中新鲜尿液组（≤24h）分别采用Chelex-100及LCM联合DNA IQTM提取法提取DNA,储存尿液组（〉24h）再分为4℃组和室温组,分别在4～30d内不同时间点采用LCM联合DNA IQTM提取法提取DNA;各组提取的模板DNA进行扩增及SRT分型检验。结果新鲜尿液组采用LCM联合DNA IQTM提取法提取DNA,所有样本均可检出全部基因座（16个）,采用Chelex-100法则在部分基因座上出现等位基因丢失、非特异性扩增、峰值低等现象;4℃储存10d和室温储存4d以内的尿液经检验可明确判读12个以上基因座,4℃20～30d及室温7d,可检出7个以上基因座。结论 LCM技术可用于尿液检材的DNA分型检验,且检材应尽可能4℃保存并尽快检验。     

Natural DNA mixtures generated in fraternal twins in utero

Analysis of multiple genetic loci using short tandem repeats (STR) is widely used in human identity testing because the extensive polymorphism at these loci allows for a high degree of discrimination among individuals. We recently received a forensic case that included several pieces of evidence and reference blood samples. Upon initial testing, one of the suspects had a DNA profile that included three alleles at four of the nine loci tested (vWA, FGA, TH01, and D5S818). At each locus, two of the alleles appeared to be "major" alleles with a third "minor" allele present. The profile appeared to be a mixture of two people. Contamination of this first reference sample was suspected and a second, unopened blood specimen was requested from this individual. The DNA profile from this second reference specimen was identical to that of the original specimen at each locus. One of the evidence samples also displayed an identical mixed DNA profile matching that of the reference specimens mentioned above. The relative peak heights of the two "major" and one "minor" allele remained constant in all three samples. Additional background information revealed that the suspect had not received a bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion. However, it was disclosed that this individual is a fraternal (dizygotic) twin. We hypothesize that an exchange of blood cells between the fetuses occurred in utero and that the additional alleles present in these reference samples are derived from cells contributed by his twin sibling. No additional specimens from the suspect or his twin could be obtained for confirmation, and our hypothesis remains untested. Forensic scientists should be aware of this possibility when faced with a DNA profile in which extra alleles at multiple loci are detected.     

PowerPlex 16 HS: Internal validation of a new tool for genetic analysis of forensic and parentage testing

Forensic human identification requires powerful and efficient tools to obtain useful results in a minimum timeframe. In this study several forensic and parentage samples that could not be analyzed with others kits were studied using the recently available PowerPlex^® 16 HS kit (Promega). DNA was extracted using four different methods, depending upon the particular sample, and the PCR products were run on an ABI 3130XL Sequencer. The resultant DNA profiles were analyzed using Gene Mapper ID v 3.2 Analysis Software (ABI). Of 30 samples processed with the PowerPlex^® 16 HS system, genetic analysis was successful in 18 (60%). The results obtained show that the PowerPlex^® 16 HS is a valuable tool for forensic identification and parentage testing that is particularly useful for difficult samples that have not yielded adequate results with other methods.     

Isolation and identification of female DNA on postcoital penile swabs

After sexual assault, cells originating from the assailant may be recovered from the victim. Through polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technology, positive scientific identification of the assailant may be made from these cells. Described is a prospective study describing a method for positively identifying cells from a female sex partner obtained from postcoital swabs of the penis of the male sex partner. Swabs were taken from the penis of a man at 1- to 24-hour intervals after coitus. DNA was isolated from each swab through standard organic extraction methods. The presence of female DNA was detected using the gender-specific amelogenin marker. Extracted DNA was amplified for eight different genetic loci using the Promega PowerPlex kit (Promega) and Amplitaq Gold (Perkin Elmer). Amplified samples were electrophoresed on precast sequencing gels (Hitachi) and were analyzed fluorescently using Hitachi's FMBIO 2 fluorescent scanner and software. Each sample obtained from a penile swab or condom was compared to male and female buccal controls. Female DNA was isolated from all postcoital penile swabs as determined by exclusive amplification of the X-chromosome specific 212 base pair amelogenin marker. In all cases, scientific identification of the female DNA from the swabs was determined by coamplification of eight STR loci (PowerPlex) and was compared to female and male control profiles. Cells shed from a female victim during sexual intercourse can be retrieved from the penis of a male offender after sexual intercourse during a 1- to 24-hour postcoital interval. DNA can be extracted from these cells and can be used to scientifically identify the female sexual participant through PCR-based technology. It is suggested that penile swabs be taken from alleged perpetrators of sexual assaults to associate them with a female victim.     

Touch DNA of Shed Skin Cells from the Deployed Airbag to Address Drunken Driving Crimes

In the criminal cases of driving under the influence （DUI）, DNA evidence can be collectedfrom the deployed airbag of the motor vehicle and submitted to the crime lab for touch DNA analysis.The evidence can be acquired when the skin cells are observed on the surface of the airbag in a trafficaccident. However, the low quantity or quality of the evidence collected from a crime scene preventsfurther identification analysis in many cases. In the current study, we reported a case of identifyingtouch DNA extraction from the shed skin cells from the deployed airbag of a motor vehicle. We man-aged to collect DNA evidence from the shed skin cells in an airbag using a proper approach of collec-tion and extraction. The 5.87 ng of extracted DNA was sufficient for genotyping and forensic identifica-tion, which helped to identify the driver of the car in collision with a pier in the street. In DUI casesand other traffic accidents, therefore, the amount of touch DNA extracted from the deployed airbag canbe sufficient for DNA marker genotyping and further analysis.     

Fixation of cells for analysis by laser microdissection--comparative studies in forensic trace material

This paper is focused on the preparation of samples for laser microdissection (LM) in forensic casework. In forensic genetics, it is essential to preserve and separate cellular traces during sample preparation, as they are usually gathered in very small amounts and are often contaminated with undesired cells. This is made possible by laser microdissection, a technique developed to cut cells or tissue of a certain type from a microscopical specimen by UV laser and catapult them directly into a PCR reactor. This method minimizes the risk of getting inconclusive, mixed DNA profiles due to contamination by foreign DNA and also supplies information about the cellular origin of a DNA profile. A method for optimized fixation and staining of spermatozoa for laser microdissection was established. Four different fixation methods combined with two staining methods were tested on two different microscope slides. Moreover, the effect of a blocker pen to contain the specimen on the slide was investigated.     

尿液及尿斑DNA分型的研究

目的研究尿液及尿斑的DNA提取及其检验。方法用Chelex100法及QIAampMiniKit提取尿液及尿斑样本中的DNA,进行PCR扩增及STR检验。结果新鲜的及存放时间在12h以内的尿液样本能得到较好的分型结果;存放2d左右的尿液样本有50%能检出基因型;存放7d及更长时间的尿液样本全部不能检出基因型;尿斑样本的分型成功率很低。结论较新鲜的尿液样本均能进行DNA分型,在法医检案中具有应用价值。     

Mitochondrial DNA sequencing of human hair shafts stored for long time

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing is commonly used for forensic genetic identification of relation and personality identification based on analysis of tooth and skeletal rudiments. We demonstrated the possibility of DNA extraction and subsequent enzymatic amplification of fragments of a hypervariable segment I of mtDNA control region from hair shafts after long storage (up to 75 years). Shed hairs are the most common biological material evidence in forensic investigations. Low content of DNA and its possible degradation in hair shafts without bulbs may cause artifacts in polymerase chain reaction. However comparative analysis of amplified nucleotide sequences of amplified fragments from hair stored for 75 years was identical to the sequence from hairs cut immediately before experiment. This indicates high quality of the resultant matrices, stability of results, and hence, the possibility of using DNA extracted from hair shafts without bulbs stored for a long time for expert genetic analysis. Theoretical and methodological prospects of using mtDNA polymorphism analysis for forensic expert evaluations are discussed.     

Use of forensic investigations in anti-doping

The fight against doping is mainly focused on direct detection, using analytical methods for the detection of doping agents in biological samples. However, the World Anti-Doping Code also defines doping as possession, administration or attempted administration of prohibited substances or methods, trafficking or attempted trafficking in any prohibited substance or methods. As these issues correspond to criminal investigation, a forensic approach can help assessing potential violation of these rules. In the context of a rowing competition, genetic analyses were conducted on biological samples collected in infusion apparatus, bags and tubing in order to obtain DNA profiles. As no database of athletes' DNA profiles was available, the use of information from the location detection as well as contextual information were key to determine a population of suspected athletes and to obtain reference DNA profiles for comparison. Analysis of samples from infusion systems provided 8 different DNA profiles. The comparison between these profiles and 8 reference profiles from suspected athletes could not be distinguished. This case-study is one of the first where a forensic approach was applied for anti-doping purposes. Based on this investigation, the International Rowing Federation authorities decided to ban not only the incriminated athletes, but also the coaches and officials for 2 years.     

烧骨DNA检验技术的研究

目的解决陈旧性骨骼和烧骨DNA检验难题。方法研究建立了CTAB法裂解提取DNA,再用磁珠纯化得到的DNA提取液进行STR复合扩增检验。结果实验结果及实际检案显示研究所建立的骨DNA提取方法能较好地去除DNA扩增抑制物,得到高质量的DNA模板。结论本研究所建立的烧骨DNA检验方法其识别率为10×10-12,达到个人同一认定的目的,在解决实际工作中杀人焚尸案、火灾、爆炸等恶性案件和事故中有重要的作用。