Autosomal short tandem repeat analysis of ancient DNA by coupled use of mini- and conventional STR kits

Abstract: Multiplex autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping enables researchers to obtain genetic information from ancient human samples. In this study, we tested newly developed AmpF?STR^® MiniFiler? kit for autosomal STR analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA), using human femurs (n = 8) collected from medieval Korean tombs. After extracting aDNA from the bones, autosomal STR analyses were repeated for each sample using the AmpF?STR^® MiniFiler? and Identifiler? kits. Whereas only 21.87% of larger‐sized loci profiles could be obtained with the Identifiler? kit, 75% of the same loci profiles were determined by MiniFiler? kit analysis. This very successful amplification of large‐sized STR markers from highly degraded aDNA suggests that the MiniFiler? kit could be a useful complement to conventional STR kit analysis of ancient samples.     

Development and validation of the AmpFlSTR MiniFiler PCR Amplification Kit: a MiniSTR multiplex for the analysis of degraded and/or PCR inhibited DNA

DNA typing of degraded DNA samples can be a challenging task when using the current commercially available multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) analysis kits. However, the ability to type degraded DNA specimens improves by redesigning current STR marker amplicons such that smaller sized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products are generated. In an effort to increase the amount of information derived from these types of DNA samples, the AmpFlSTR MiniFiler PCR Amplification Kit has been developed. The kit contains reagents for the amplification of eight miniSTRs which are the largest sized loci in the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit (D7S820, D13S317, D16S539, D21S11, D2S1338, D18S51, CSF1PO, and FGA). Five of these STR loci (D16S539, D21S11, D2S1338, D18S51, and FGA) also are some of the largest loci in the AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit. This informative nine-locus multiplex, which includes the gender-identification locus Amelogenin, has been validated according to the FBI/National Standards and SWGDAM guidelines. Our results demonstrate significant performance improvements in models of DNA degradation, PCR inhibition, and nonprobative samples when compared to the AmpFlSTR Identifiler and SGM Plus kits. These data support that the MiniFiler kit will increase the likelihood of obtaining additional STR information from forensic samples in situations in which standard STR chemistries fail to produce complete profiles.     

MiniFiler试剂盒运用于法医微量物证的检验

目的应用MiniFiler试剂盒对法医微量物证进行DNA分析。方法采用MiniFiler试剂盒对样本进行DNA分型,确定样本9个STR基因座的等位基因型。结果10pg DNA模板经MiniFiler试剂盒扩增后,能够进行DNA分型,但40pg以上的DNA方可得到稳定可靠的分型结果。结论MiniFiler试剂盒可以用于法医微量物证的STR分析。     

Concordance study between the AmpFlSTR MiniFiler PCR amplification kit and conventional STR typing kits

The AmpFlSTR MiniFiler polymerase chain reaction amplification kit developed by Applied Biosystems enables size reduction on eight of the larger STR loci amplified in the Identifiler kit, which will aid recovery of information from highly degraded DNA samples. The MiniFiler Kit amplifies CSF1PO, FGA, D2S1338, D7S820, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11 as well as the sex-typing locus amelogenin. A total of 1308 samples were evaluated with both the MiniFiler and Identifiler STR kits: 449 African American, 445 Caucasian, 207 Hispanic, and 207 Asian individuals. Full concordance between Identifiler and MiniFiler Kits was observed in 99.7% (10,437 out of 10,464) STR allele calls compared. The 27 differences seen are listed in Table 1 and encompass the loci D13S317 (n = 14) and D16S539 (n = 10) as well as D18S51 (n = 1), D7S820 (n = 1), and CSF1PO (n = 1). Genotyping discrepancies between the Identifiler and MiniFiler kits were confirmed by reamplification of the samples and further testing using the PowerPlex 16 kit in many cases. DNA sequence analysis was also performed in order to understand the nature of the genetic variations causing the allele dropout or apparent repeat unit shift.     

MiniFiler试剂盒进行微量细胞STR分型可行性探讨

目的探讨采用MiniFiler试剂盒进行微量细胞STR分型的可行性。方法利用显微操作法捕获微量口腔上皮细胞,采用MiniFiler试剂盒进行STR复合扩增,ABI 3130遗传分析仪检测STR分型。结果10个口腔上皮细胞能够获得稳定的STR分型;1、3、5个口腔上皮细胞能够获得完整的STR分型,但存在随机性。结论微量细胞进行STR分型具有不稳定性,目前还难以在实际检案中应用,但可以通过增加模板量来提高分型的成功率。     

MiniFiler及Yfiler试剂盒无创产前亲子鉴定的可能性探究

目的采用Mini Filer~(TM)及YFiler~(TM)试剂盒对孕妇血浆进行STR分型,评估上述试剂盒进行无创产前亲子鉴定的可行性。方法采用Mini Filer~(TM)及YFiler~(TM)试剂盒,对2例成人男性的全血及血浆进行STR分型,评估血浆检材的分型准确率及适用性;对8组已知亲子关系的孕妇家系(4组非父,4组亲父,均为男胎样本)采用Mini Filer~(TM)及YFiler~(TM)试剂盒进行STR分型,对STR分型图谱直接观察,总结归纳孕妇血浆STR图谱的特征,探讨进行无创产前亲子鉴定的可行性。结果血浆检材的STR分型结果与全血STR分型结果 100%一致,且等位基因峰高接近,表明血浆是一类可以进行STR分型的检材;观察8组孕妇血浆检材的STR分型图谱,可获得2~5个可用(含胎儿STR信息)Mini-STR位点,1~8个可用Y-STR位点,且在位点充足的情况下(6个),肯定父权家系可计算累计父权指数达192 653,否定父权家系中有3~7个位点支持否定父权。结论采用Mini Filer~(TM)及Yfiler~(TM)试剂盒对孕妇血浆进行STR分型,存在进行无创产前亲子鉴定的可能性。     

A study on the effects of degradation and template concentration on the amplification efficiency of the STR Miniplex primer sets

In forensic DNA analysis, the samples recovered from the crime scene are often highly degraded leading to poor PCR amplification of the larger sized STR loci. To avoid this problem, we have developed STR markers with redesigned primer sequences called "Miniplexes" to produce smaller amplicons. To assess the effectiveness of these kits, we have tested these primer sets with enzymatically degraded DNA and compared the amplifications to a commercial kit. We also conducted sensitivity and peak balance studies of three Miniplex sets. Lastly, we report a case study on two human skeletal remain samples collected from different environmental conditions. In both types of degraded DNA, the Miniplex primer sets were capable of producing more complete profiles when compared to the larger sized amplicons from the commercial kit. Correct genotypes were obtained at template concentrations as low as 31 pg/25 microL. Overall, our data confirm that our redesigned primers can increase the probability of obtaining a usable profile in situations where standard kits fail.     

DNA typing from skeletal remains using GlobalFiler™ PCR amplification and Investigator® 24plex QS kits

Since the beginning of our work in 2003 our laboratory has focused exclusively on STR DNA from bone, a powerful tool in missing person cases. In cases such as mass disasters or missing persons, human remains are challenging to identify as they may be fragmented, burnt, recovered from water, degraded, and/or contain inhibitory substances. To address these challenges, this study has evaluated the performance of relatively new STR kits Investigator® 24plex QS kit (Qiagen) and GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) by comparing it with current uses of the AmpFLSTR® Identifiler® Plus kit (Applied Biosystems) to obtain genetic information from skeletal remains. We analyzed 20 bone samples of skeletal remains from routine casework submitted for body identifications by law enforcement corresponding using Investigator® 24plex QS kit and GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification kit, previously analysed AmpFLSTR® Identifiler® Plus kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The data indicates that the STR profiles obtained using the GlobalFiler™ and Investigator® 24plex QS kit for analysis of skeletal remains has shown results in an increased number of reportable genetic loci, and provide greater power of discrimination in comparison to the Identifiler® Plus Kit. Advanced extraction and purification techniques, together with more sensitive and robust new amplification kits allowed us to overcome the challenges associated with processing compromised skeletal remains and ultimately obtain full STR DNA profiles in 99% of the bones.     

人体组织在非缓冲福尔马林固定剂中的STR检测时限

目的评估经非缓冲福尔马林固定不同时间后的人体组织STR分型有效性,了解各种人体组织在非缓冲福尔马林固定剂中可获得完全STR分型位点的时限。方法市售40%福尔马林溶液经1∶9稀释后在室温(15～20℃)下固定人体组织,不同时间后取样。以QIAamp DNA法和IQTMDNA System法提取DNA,用quantifiler humanTaqman探针法进行DNA定量,用常规16 STR位点的AmpFSTR identifiler kit和短小片段9 STR位点的AmpFSTR Min-iFiler kit进行PCR扩增,在3100遗传分析仪进行扩增DNA片段长度检测,用GeneMapper ID v3.2对STR位点检出率进行分析。结果福尔马林固定时间、组织类型以及DNA提取方法、PCR的DNA模板终浓度均影响非缓冲福尔马林固定后人体组织STR分型效能。DNA提取用QIAgen法为优,DNA模板终浓度的最佳范围在1～3ng/μL。各类型组织在非缓冲福尔马林固定剂中的降解速率有差异,肺组织的降解速率最慢,肝、肠组织最快。固定时间在4d内的组织可以获得常规STR的完整位点数;固定时间在15d内的组织可以获得miniSTR的完整位点数。结论非缓冲福尔马林固定人体组织时间是影响STR分型的最主要因素,其次组织类型、提取方法、DNA模板浓度及STR基因座的选择也是此类降解样品成功检测的关键因素。     

Validation of the AMPFℓSTR® MiniFilerTM PCR Amplification Kit for Use in Forensic Casework*

Abstract: The AmpF?STR^® MiniFiler^TM PCR Amplification Kit is designed to genotype degraded and/or inhibited DNA samples when the AmpF?STR^® Identifiler^TM PCR Amplification Kit is incapable of generating a complete genetic profile. Validation experiments, following the SWGDAM guidelines, were designed to evaluate the performance of MiniFiler. Data obtained demonstrated that MiniFiler, when used in conjunction with Identifiler, provided an increased ability to obtain genetic profiles from challenged samples. The optimum template range was found to be between 0.2 and 0.6 ng, with 0.3 ng yielding the best results. Full concordance was achieved between the MiniFiler kit and Identifiler kit except in a single case of a null allele at locus D21S11. Numerous instances of severe heterozygous peak imbalance (<50%) were observed in single source samples amplified within the optimum range of input DNA suggesting that caution be taken when attempting to deduce component genotypes in a mixture.     

The application of miniplex primer sets in the analysis of degraded DNA from human skeletal remains

A new set of multiplexed PCR primers has been applied to the analysis of human skeletal remains to determine their efficacy in analyzing degraded DNA. These primer sets, known as Miniplexes, produce shorter amplicons (50-280 base pairs (bp)) than standard short tandem repeat (STR) kits, but still utilize the 13 CODIS STR loci, providing results that are searchable on national DNA databases. In this study, a set of 31 different human remains were exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, extracted, and amplified with commercial and Miniplex DNA typing kits. The amplification efficiency of the Miniplex sets was then compared with the Promega PowerPlex 16 system. Sixty-four percent of the samples generated full profiles when amplified with the Miniplexes, while only 16% of the samples generated full profiles with the Powerplex 16 kit. Complete profiles were obtained for 11 of the 12 Miniplex loci with amplicon sizes less than 200 bp. These data suggest smaller PCR amplicons may provide a useful alternative to mitochondrial DNA for anthropological and forensic analysis of degraded DNA from human skeletal remains.     

应用磁珠法提取陈旧骨骼DNA

目的探讨采用磁珠法提取陈旧骨骼DNA的可行性。方法取经土埋或室外暴露下存放1~5年不等的10根长骨,经水洗、刮净,钻取骨密质骨粉3g,应用EQ1000磁珠试剂盒提取DNA,经复合扩增,ABI 3130XL基因分析仪电泳分离,进行STR分型检测。结果 10根长骨均获得完整的STR分型,电泳图谱基线干净,除个别大片段基因座外,等位基因荧光信号分布均衡性较好。结论采用磁珠法提取陈旧骨骼的DNA,能满足分型要求,可在实际检案中选用。     

Characterization of new miniSTR loci to aid analysis of degraded DNA

A number of studies have demonstrated that successful analysis of degraded DNA specimens from mass disasters or forensic evidence improves with smaller sized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. We have scanned the literature for new STR loci, unlinked from the CODIS markers, which can generate amplicons less than 125 bp in size and would therefore be helpful in testing degraded DNA samples. New PCR primers were designed and tested for the STR loci D1S1677, D2S441, D4S2364, D10S1248, D14S1434, and D22S1045, arranged into two miniSTR triplexes. All loci show a moderate degree of polymorphism among 474 U.S. population samples tested and were reliable and sensitive to at least 100 pg of DNA template under controlled laboratory conditions and pristine DNA samples. The utility of these new loci were confirmed in comparing the success of the miniSTR assays for typing degraded bone samples while partial profiles were observed with the majority of the samples using a commercial STR kit.     

Forensic DNA typing strategy of degraded DNA on discarded cigarette ends using the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler®, Identifiler® Plus and MiniFiler™ PCR Amplification Kits

DNA left on a forensic sample is often prone to degradation, especially if left to the elements. To maximize the chance of retrieving the most information from such compromised DNA, an appropriate profiling scheme using the available technologies needs to be devised. In this study, a total of 62 cigarette ends collected under different conditions of environmental exposure were employed to test the effectiveness of three DNA amplification kits, namely the Applied Biosystems™ AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler®, Identifiler® Plus and MiniFiler™ PCR Amplification Kits, in the profiling of such compromised DNA. We demonstrated that Identifiler® Plus could substitute Identifiler® to improve the effectiveness of profiling for those inhibited cigarette samples. MiniFiler™, on the other hand, could supplement Identifiler®/Identifiler® Plus profiles and provide additional genetic information to enhance the evidential value of the samples, especially for those that have suffered from DNA degradation to a greater extent. The findings in this work allowed us to propose a DNA profiling strategy as follow: 1) samples yielding complete Identifiler®/Identifiler® Plus profiles require no further testing with MiniFiler™; 2) samples yielding partial single-source profiles to be tested with MiniFiler™ to add genetic information; 3) samples yielding no results are unlikely to yield any results with MiniFiler™.     

Determination of DNA yield rates in six different skeletal elements in ancient bones

Current sampling strategy for laboratories typing bones for human identification include samples obtained from femur, tooth and temporal bone. Latest studies suggest that the small bones of the hands and feet were very similar or even better in DNA yield. These bones can be easily sampled with a disposable scalpel and thus reduce potential DNA contamination. The aim of our study was to determine the suitability of metatarsals, metacarpals and phalanges for genetic identification. 48 bone samples from 8 different skeletons (six from 18^th century and two from 3rd century) were obtained from 5 archaeological sites in Slovenia. In each skeleton, 6 different skeletal elements were sampled (temporal bone, molar, femur, metacarpal bone, metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx of the hand), and strict precautions followed to prevent contamination. Half of gram of bone powder was decalcified using full demineralization extraction method. The DNA was purified in a Biorobot EZ1 (Qiagen), DNA content determined with the PowerQuant kit (Promega), and autosomal STR typing performed with the Investigator ESSplex Plus kit (Qiagen). Up to 8.75 ng DNA/g of powder was obtained from samples analyzed. The highest yields were detected in temporal bone and the lowest in femur. The success rate of STR typing was evaluated according to the number of successfully typed loci and a strong correlation between the success rate of STR typing and the amount of extracted DNA was confirmed. For all eight skeletons full consensus genetic profiles were determined from skeletal elements analyzed. Our findings suggest it would be suitable to include metatarsal and metacarpal bones in sampling strategy for human identification although further research is needed to substantiate the findings of this study.     

Effectiveness of Coupled Application of AmpFℓSTR Yfiler Kit and Reduced Size Y‐chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat Analysis for Archeological Human Bones

The AmpF?STR Yfiler PCR Amplification (Yfiler) kit continues to be improved for a better analytical efficiency in cases of highly degraded DNA. The authors endeavored to determine whether coupling of the Yfiler kit with supplemental multiplex amplification of some Y‐STR loci is a more efficient analytical mode for poorly preserved human femurs (n = 15) discovered at Korean archeological sites. To reveal locus profiles not easily obtained by Yfiler analysis, custom‐designed primers were adopted for the DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS438, DYS439, and DYS635 loci. The success rate for 16 Y‐STR locus profiles obtained from the 15 femurs was improved from 18.33% (in the use of Yfiler kit only) to 49.17% (the coupled use of Yfiler and custom‐designed primers). In this study, the authors established that the custom‐designed primers offer a markedly improved success rate for obtainment of Y‐STR profiles from degraded aDNA not easily identified by sole use of the Yfiler assay.     

Development of two new Mini-STR multiplex assay for typing archival Bouin's fluid-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues

Short amplicon autosomal short tandem repeat (Mini-STR) assay has proved to be a highly useful tool in forensic applications, especially for highly degraded DNA samples that typically result in partial profiles and total loss of information from regular STR amplicons.In this study two new quadruplex systems were designed to get nuclear DNA profile from degraded forensic casework samples. In order to obtain PCR products less than 120 bp in size, primer pairs of eight STR markers, included in available commercially multiplex PCR kits, were redesigned and assembled in two PCR-multiplexes: D8S1179, D3S1358, TPOX, D16S539 and CSF1P0, TH01, D13S317, D5S818.After validation, these two Mini-STR quadruplex were employed in paternity testing case that involved DNA extraction from archival postmortem Bouin's fluid-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue where commercial kit yielded low success. The results obtained with the present Mini-STR PCR-multiplexes proved clearly demonstrating their usefulness in analyzing degraded DNA samples.     

山东汉族人群19个STR基因座的遗传多态性

目的调查山东汉族人群19个STR基因座的群体遗传学资料,为亲权鉴定提供遗传学数据。方法采用GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒对山东汉族人群中205例无关个体进行基因分型,得到19个STR基因座的等位基因频率及群体遗传学参数。对Identifile一、SinoFilerTM、PowerPlex16和GoldeneyeTM20A4个试剂盒进行比较,并对l例特殊的亲子鉴定案件进行分析。结果获得山东汉族人群19个STR基因座的群体遗传学参数。累积个体识别率（CDP）及累积非父排除率（CPE）从高到低分别为GoldeneyeTM20A、SinoFilerTM、PowerPlex16、IdentifilerTM试剂盒。对实际案件进行分析．作为二联体,IdentifilerTM试剂盒无被排除基因座,而SinoFilerTM、PowerPlex16和GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒均不能排除父子关系。结论与IdentifilerTM、SinoFilerYn和PowerPlex163种试剂盒进行比较．GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒效能更高．但不能完全满足二联体鉴定的要求。     

19例基因突变分析

目的对19例不符合遗传规律的基因突变现象进行分析，并探讨其对亲子鉴定的影响。方法对使用Profiler Plus＋Cofiler试剂盒鉴定的118例，使用Identifiler^TM试剂盒鉴定的552例亲子鉴定案例中出现的19例1～2个STR不符合遗传规律的家庭，使用DNATyper15^TM试剂盒进行复检。结果原鉴定19个案例中有1个STR基因座不符合遗传规律的17例，有2个STR基因座不符合遗传规律的2例；使用DNATyper15^TM试剂盒进行复检，结果其中3例D8S1179基因座被证实系等位基因丢失，其余16例复检结果仍不符合遗传规律，分析认为系等位基因突变所致。结论在有1～2个基因座不符合遗传规律时，要综合分析，并增加检测基因座的数量，避免基因座的错误分型和亲子关系的误判。     

Evaluation of Commercial Kits for Dual Extraction of DNA and RNA from Human Body Fluids, ,

STR typing of DNA evidence can identify the donor with a high power of discrimination but cannot identify the tissue origin of a body‐fluid stain. Using RNA to attribute a crime scene stain to a particular tissue may aid in reconstruction efforts. With blood from 10 donors, four DNA and RNA coextraction kits were evaluated by measuring yields and STR and mRNA profiles. T tests indicated some significant differences in kit performance. The Zymo Research ZR‐Duet^? kit performed best based on average DNA (41.4 ng) and mRNA (4.07 ng) yields and was the only kit to provide complete DNA/RNA profiles for all samples. The consistency of this kit was challenged by data from additional blood and saliva donors. Further testing is advised before a superior kit is unequivocally chosen. Stand‐alone DNA or RNA purification generally offers higher yield, but coextraction may still allow successful STR profiling and tissue source identification.