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Zupanič Pajnič I, Kovačič N. DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103067. [PMID: 38833778 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Significant variation exists in the molecular structure of compact and trabecular bone. In compact bone full dissolution of the bone powder is required to efficiently release the DNA from hydroxyapatite. In trabecular bone where soft tissues are preserved, we assume that full dissolution of the bone powder is not required to release the DNA from collagen. To investigate this issue, research was performed on 45 Second World War diaphysis (compact bone)-epiphysis (trabecular bone) femur pairs, each processed with a full dissolution (FD) and partial dissolution (PD) extraction method. DNA quality and quantity were assessed using qPCR PowerQuant analyses, and autosomal STRs were typed to confirm the authenticity of isolated DNA. Our results support different mechanisms of DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone because FD method was more efficient than PD method only in compact bone, and no difference in DNA yield was observed in trabecular bone, showing no need for full dissolution of the bone powder when trabecular bone tissue is processed. In addition, a significant difference in DNA yield was observed between compact and trabecular bone when PD was applied, with more DNA extracted from trabecular bone than compact bone. High suitability of trabecular bone processed with PD method is also supported by the similar quantities of DNA isolated by FD method when applied to both compact and trabecular bone. Additionally similar quantities of DNA were isolated when compact bone was extracted with FD method and trabecular bone was extracted with PD method. Processing trabecular bone with PD method in routine identification of skeletonized human remains shortens the extraction procedure and simplifies the grinding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Nika Kovačič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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Zhang J, Li X, Li L, Chen A, Zhang S. Y-STR analysis of highly degraded DNA from skeletal remains over 70 years old. Forensic Sci Res 2024; 9:owae020. [PMID: 38617445 PMCID: PMC11014468 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of the following study is to clarify whether the skeletal remains over 70 years old from missing persons and their alleged relatives shared identical Y-STR loci. Nowadays, advances in ancient DNA extraction techniques and approaches of using multiple different Y-STRs have significantly increased the possibility of obtaining DNA profiles from highly degraded skeletal remains. Given the ages and conditions of the skeletal remains, ancient DNA extraction methods can be used to maximize the probability of DNA recovery. Considering that information about distant relatives is more relevant for long-term missing persons and alleged family members are male, Y-STR loci analysis is considered the most appropriate and informative approach for determining paternal lineage relationship. In this study, Y-STR genotypes obtained from these alleged relatives were identical to each other and to the alleles of missing persons' consensus profiles at more than 22 loci examined, whilst not being found in Y-STR population database from Y-Chromosome STR Haplotype Reference Database. Therefore, Missing Person No.7 and Missing Person No.18 have a patrilineal relationship with reference samples from Family1 and Family2, respectively. In addition, the fact that Y-STR haplotypes obtained from skeletal remains of missing persons and reference samples are not found in the Han Chinese people from East Asian demonstrates its rarity and further supports a paternal lineage relationship amongst them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashuo Zhang
- Research Center for Chinese Frontier Archaeology of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuebo Li
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhua Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Deymenci E, Sarı O I, Filoglu G, Polat E, Bulbul O. Eye and hair color prediction of human DNA recovered from Lucilia sericata larvae. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:627-637. [PMID: 37934208 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomological evidence is employed to estimate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin), location, and identification of fly samples or human remains. Traditional forensic DNA analysis (i.e., STR, mitochondrial DNA) has been used for human identification from the larval gut contents. Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP), predicting human appearance from DNA-based crime scene evidence, has become an established approach in forensic genetics in the past years. In this study, we aimed to recover human DNA from Lucilia sericata (Meigen 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) gut contents and predict the eye and hair color of individuals using the HIrisPlex system. Lucilia sericata larvae and reference blood samples were collected from 30 human volunteers who were under maggot debridement therapy. The human DNA was extracted from the crop contents and quantified. HIrisPlex multiplex analysis was performed using the SNaPshot minisequencing procedure. The HIrisPlex online tool was used to assess the prediction of the eye and hair color of the larval and reference samples. We successfully genotyped 25 out of 30 larval samples, and the most SNP genotypes (87.13%) matched those of reference samples, though some alleles were dropped out, producing partial profiles. The prediction of the eye colors was accurate in 17 out of 25 larval samples, and only one sample was misclassified. Fourteen out of 25 larval samples were correctly predicted for hair color, and eight were misclassified. This study shows that SNP analysis of L. sericata gut contents can be used to predict eye and hair color of a corpse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Deymenci
- Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Adli Tıp ve Adli Bilimler Enstitüsü, Büyükçekmece Yerleşkesi, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilksen Sarı O
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Istanbul Gelisim University, 34310, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gonul Filoglu
- Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Adli Tıp ve Adli Bilimler Enstitüsü, Büyükçekmece Yerleşkesi, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdal Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Bulbul
- Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Adli Tıp ve Adli Bilimler Enstitüsü, Büyükçekmece Yerleşkesi, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Inkret J, Zupanc T, Zupanič Pajnič I. A Multisample Approach in Forensic Phenotyping of Chronological Old Skeletal Remains Using Massive Parallel Sequencing (MPS) Technology. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1449. [PMID: 37510353 PMCID: PMC10379588 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It is very important to generate phenotypic results that are reliable when processing chronological old skeletal remains for cases involving the identification of missing persons. To improve the success of pigmentation prediction in Second World War victims, three bones from each of the eight skeletons analyzed were included in the study, which makes it possible to generate a consensus profile. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification, the ESI 17 Fast System was used for STR typing, and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel was used for PCR-MPS. The HID Ion Chef Instrument was used for library preparation and templating. Sequencing was performed with the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Identical full profiles and identical hair and eye color predictions were achieved from three bones analyzed per skeleton. Blue eye color was predicted in five skeletons and brown in three skeletons. Blond hair color was predicted in one skeleton, blond to dark blond in three skeletons, brown to dark brown in two skeletons, and dark brown to black in two skeletons. The reproducibility and reliability of the results proved the multisample analysis method to be beneficial for phenotyping chronological old skeletons because differences in DNA yields in different bone types provide a greater possibility of obtaining a better-quality consensus profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Leskovar T, Zupanc T, Podovšovnik E. A fast and highly efficient automated DNA extraction method from small quantities of bone powder from aged bone samples. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 65:102882. [PMID: 37141673 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
An efficient extraction method is important for obtaining high-quality DNA from degraded aged bone samples. An automated full-demineralization method using the EDTA and DNA Investigator Kit (Qiagen) combined with Qiagen's biorobots was optimized in our laboratory in the past to extract the DNA from 500 mg of aged bone samples. The purpose of this research was to further improve the method with the aim of reducing the required sample material, shortening the extraction time, and achieving higher throughput. To process extremely small samples, the amount of bone powder was reduced to 75 mg, EDTA was replaced with reagents from the Bone DNA Extraction Kit (Promega), and decalcification was shortened from overnight to 2.5 h. Instead of 50 ml tubes, 2 ml tubes were used, which allows higher throughput. The DNA Investigator Kit (Qiagen) and EZ1 Advanced XL biorobot (Qiagen) was used for DNA purification. A comparison between both extraction methods was made on 29 Second World War bones and 22 archaeological bone samples. The differences between both methods were explored by measuring nuclear DNA yield and STR typing success. After cleaning the samples, 500 mg of bone powder was processed using EDTA, and 75 mg of powder from the same bone was processed using the Bone DNA Extraction Kit (Promega). DNA content and DNA degradation were determined using PowerQuant (Promega), and the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega) was used for STR typing. The results showed that the full-demineralization protocol using 500 mg of bone was efficient for Second World War and archaeological samples, and the partial-demineralization protocol using 75 mg of bone powder was only efficient for the Second World War bones. The improved extraction method-for which significantly lower amounts of bone powder can be used, the extraction process is faster, and higher throughput of bone samples is possible-is applicable for genetic identification of relatively well-preserved aged bone samples in routine forensic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Šuligoj A, Mesesnel S, Leskovar T, Podovšovnik E, Zupanič Pajnič I. Comparison of DNA preservation between adult and non-adult ancient skeletons. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1521-1539. [PMID: 36048257 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies evaluating DNA preservation in non-adults, or comparing preservation in adults and non-adults, are very rare. This study compares the preservation of DNA in the skeletal remains of adults and non-adults. It compares the quality and quantity of DNA recovered from different skeletal elements of adults and non-adults, and from non-adults of different age classes. In addition, the preservation of DNA in males and females is compared. Bone DNA preservation was estimated by measuring nuclear DNA concentration and its degradation, and through STR typing success. The study analyzed 29 adult skeletons and 23 non-adult skeletons from the Ljubljana-Polje archeological site, dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth century, and up to four skeletal elements (petrous bone, femur, calcaneus, and talus) were included. After full demineralization extraction, the PowerQuant System and the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega) were used for qPCR and STR typing, respectively. The results showed that, among the four bone types analyzed, only the petrous bone proved to be a suitable source of DNA for STR typing of non-adult skeletal remains, and DNA yield is even higher than in the adult petrous bone, which can be attributed to the higher DNA degradation observed in the adult petrous bone. In adult skeletons, petrous bones and tali produced high STR amplification success and low DNA yield was observed in adult femurs. The results of this study are applicable for the sampling strategy in routine forensic genetics cases for solving identification cases, including badly preserved non-adult and also adult skeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Šuligoj
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Mesesnel
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Comparison of DNA preservation between ribs and vertebrae. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1247-1253. [PMID: 35729437 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The choice of skeletal element types and their intra-bone parts is important because of differences in DNA preservation, and this must be considered when sampling bones for DNA testing. When incomplete skeletons are found, ribs and vertebrae have been shown to be the most suitable for genetic identification of bones from the torso. This study compares the preservation of DNA between 12th thoracic vertebrae and first ribs to determine which bone type is more suitable for genetic typing. The study analyzed 35 12th thoracic vertebrae and 29 first ribs from one mass grave from the Second World War with commingled skeletal remains excavated. Bone DNA preservation was estimated by measuring nuclear DNA concentration and its degradation and through short tandem repeat (STR) typing success. Previous studies performed on aged skeletal remains have shown that the DNA content of the first ribs and 12th thoracic vertebrae has high intra-bone variability, and this was considered when sampling the bones. After full demineralization extraction, the PowerQuant System (Promega) was used to measure the quantity and quality of DNA, and the GlobalFiler kit (Applied Biosystems) was used for STR typing. The results showed that DNA yield and degradation and STR typing success exhibited no statistically significant difference between first ribs and 12th thoracic vertebrae, and there was no intra-individual difference when comparing only paired bones from the same individuals. Consequently, with intra-bone DNA variability considered, the first ribs or the 12th thoracic vertebrae can be selected when sampling to genetically identify the skeletal remains of highly degraded torsos. HIGHLIGHTS: The first ribs and thoracic vertebrae are the most suitable bones for sampling from the torso. The proximal part of first rib and posterior vertebral column of the 12th thoracic vertebrae yielded the most DNA. The first ribs were compared with the 12th thoracic vertebrae, and the sampling process considered intra-bone DNA variability. The quality and quantity of nuclear DNA and success of STR typing were measured. The first ribs yielded the same DNA yields as well as STR typing success as the 12th thoracic vertebrae. When only the torso is present, it is not of high importance whether the first ribs or the 12th thoracic vertebrae are collected.
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Dabas P, Jain S, Khajuria H, Nayak BP. Forensic DNA phenotyping: Inferring phenotypic traits from crime scene DNA. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 88:102351. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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