The Correlation Between Skeletal Weathering and DNA Quality and Quantity* |
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| Authors: | Lisa M. Misner M.S. Andrea C. Halvorson M.S. Jennifer L. Dreier M.S.F.S. Douglas H. Ubelaker Ph.D. David R. Foran Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice, 560 Baker Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.;2. Present Address: Lisa M. Misner, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, 4626 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705.;3. Present Address: Andrea C. Halvorson, Michigan State Police Northville Crime Laboratory, Biology/DNA Unit, 42145 W. 7 Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167.;4. Department of Forensic Sciences, The George Washington University, Samson Hall, 2036 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052.;5. Present Address: Jennifer L. Dreier, Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health 10 Center Dr, Rm 9D08, MS 1821, Bethesda, MD 20892.;6. Department of Anthropology, MRC 112, NMNH, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560.;7. Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice and Department of Zoology, 560 Baker Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: Mitochondrial DNA analysis of skeletal material is invaluable in forensic identification, although results can vary widely among remains. Previous studies have included bones of different ages, burial conditions, and even species. In the research presented, a collection of human remains that lacked major confounders such as burial age, interment style, and gross environmental conditions, while displaying a very broad range of skeletal degradation, were examined for both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quality and quantity. Overall skeletal weathering, individual bone weathering, and bone variety were considered. Neither skeletal nor bone weathering influenced DNA quality or quantity, indicating that factors that degrade bone do not have the same effect on DNA. In contrast, bone variety, regardless of weathering level, was a significant element in DNA amplification success. Taken together, the results indicate that neither skeletal nor individual bone appearance are reliable indicators of subsequent mtDNA typing outcomes, while the type of bone assayed is. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science mitochondrial DNA bone DNA degradation human skeletal remains Voegtly Cemetery skeletal weathering |
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