1
|
Snedeker J, Hughes S, Houston R. Optimization of InnoXtract™ extraction and purification system for DNA extraction from skeletal samples. Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-02980-9. [PMID: 36847841 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02980-9] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The InnoXtract™ extraction and purification system is a purification method designed for DNA extraction from low-template samples, specifically rootless hair shafts. Its ability to successfully capture highly fragmented DNA suggests its suitability for use with other challenging sample types, including skeletal remains. However, the lysis and digestion parameters required modifications to successfully optimize the method for this sample type. A two-part digestion was developed utilizing a homebrew digestion buffer (0.5 M EDTA, 0.05% Tween 20, and 100 mM NaCl) and a supplemental lysis with the Hair Digestion Buffer included in the InnoXtract™ kit. Additionally, the magnetic bead volume was modified to improve DNA recovery from these challenging samples. With the altered protocol, the quality and quantity of DNA recovered from InnoXtract™ extracts were comparable to another commercial skeletal extraction method (PrepFiler™ BTA). This modified extraction method successfully purified sufficient amounts of quality DNA from a variety of skeletal samples to produce complete STR profiles. Successful STR typing from surface decomposition, burned, cremated, buried, and embalmed remains indicates the potential of this new method for challenging human identification and missing-person cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Snedeker
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., TX, 77341, Huntsville, USA.
| | - Sheree Hughes
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., TX, 77341, Huntsville, USA
| | - Rachel Houston
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., TX, 77341, Huntsville, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rucińska A, Olszak M, Świerszcz S, Nobis M, Zubek S, Kusza G, Boczkowska M, Nowak A. Looking for Hidden Enemies of Metabarcoding: Species Composition, Habitat and Management Can Strongly Influence DNA Extraction while Examining Grassland Communities. Biomolecules 2021; 11:318. [PMID: 33669773 PMCID: PMC7921978 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the raising preoccupation, the critical question of how the plant community is composed belowground still remains unresolved, particularly for the conservation priority types of vegetation. The usefulness of metabarcoding analysis of the belowground parts of the plant community is subjected to a considerable bias, that often impedes detection of all species in a sample due to insufficient DNA quality or quantity. In the presented study we have attempted to find environmental factors that determine the amount and quality of DNA extracted from total plant tissue from above- and belowground samples (1000 and 10,000 cm2). We analyzed the influence of land use intensity, soil properties, species composition, and season on DNA extraction. The most important factors for DNA quality were vegetation type, soil conductometry (EC), and soil pH for the belowground samples. The species that significantly decreased the DNA quality were Calamagrostis epigejos, Coronilla varia, and Holcus lanatus. For the aboveground part of the vegetation, the season, management intensity, and certain species-with the most prominent being Centaurea rhenana and Cirsium canum-have the highest influence. Additionally, we found that sample size, soil granulation, MgO, organic C, K2O, and total soil N content are important for DNA extraction effectiveness. Both low EC and pH reduce significantly the yield and quality of DNA. Identifying the potential inhibitors of DNA isolation and predicting difficulties of sampling the vegetation plots for metabarcoding analysis will help to optimize the universal, low-cost multi-stage DNA extraction procedure in molecular ecology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rucińska
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden, Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-976 Warszawa, Poland; (A.R.); (M.O.); (M.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Marcin Olszak
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden, Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-976 Warszawa, Poland; (A.R.); (M.O.); (M.B.); (A.N.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Sebastian Świerszcz
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden, Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-976 Warszawa, Poland; (A.R.); (M.O.); (M.B.); (A.N.)
- The Franciszek Górski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 21, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Nobis
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (M.N.); (S.Z.)
- Research Laboratory ‘Herbarium’, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Szymon Zubek
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (M.N.); (S.Z.)
| | - Grzegorz Kusza
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052 Opole, Poland;
| | - Maja Boczkowska
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden, Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-976 Warszawa, Poland; (A.R.); (M.O.); (M.B.); (A.N.)
- National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources, Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute (IHAR)–National Research Institute, Radzików, 05-870 Błonie, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Nowak
- Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden, Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2, 02-976 Warszawa, Poland; (A.R.); (M.O.); (M.B.); (A.N.)
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052 Opole, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
DNA-based technologies have become widespread tools for soil microbiological analyses in recent years. DNA extraction from the soil is a key step for these approaches: it is a challenge for researchers as it is still both expensive and time-consuming when large surveys are planned. The aim of this study was to develop a high-throughput automated protocol for DNA extraction and purification from soil. The protocol was based on the BioSprint 96 platform and compared for validation with another automated procedure and two commercial column-based kits. To evaluate the performances of the protocols, we considered quality, quantity, and amplifiability of the isolated DNA. The material isolated by means of the four protocols showed appropriate yield and quality and positive amplification. The isolation protocol presented here provided similar results to those of the commercial kits but with two essential differences: cost and time for DNA extraction were drastically reduced. This rapid and efficient protocol is envisaged as ideal to standardize soil studies and treat large numbers of samples, representing a workable alternative to low-throughput and expensive manual extraction methods.
Collapse
|
4
|
Thomas AE, Holben B, Dueño K, Snow M. Mitochondrial DNA Extraction from Burial Soil Samples at Incremental Distances: A Preliminary Study. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:845-851. [PMID: 30332495 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13931] [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: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Preservation variance of soil DNA is neglected in the literature, and exceptional cases exaggerate amplification capabilities. This study sought to amplify a short mitochondrial fragment (212 bp) specific to Sus scrofa domesticus from the soil surrounding decomposing pig remains from an open-air locale. Samples collected above the body at incremental distances after 145 days of initial placement yielded pig DNA. A secondary sampling was collected in 2017, approximately 768 days after burial. Inhibition tests corroborated that pig DNA was no longer present in the soil resulting in a loss of original DNA between 145 and 768 days. The results provide evidence that genetic material leaches out radially from the source and DNA fragments longer than 200 bp do not persist in soil for a relatively short timeframe in western Montana. The conclusions support the collection of soil in crime scene investigation procedures within the first few months of decomposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane E Thomas
- Anthropology Department, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Bill Holben
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Kora Dueño
- Anthropology Department, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Meradeth Snow
- Anthropology Department, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Latham KE, Miller JJ. DNA recovery and analysis from skeletal material in modern forensic contexts. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 4:51-59. [PMID: 30915417 PMCID: PMC6427720 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1515594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of a DNA profile from skeletal remains is an important part of the identification process in both mass disaster and unidentified person cases. Since bones and teeth are often the only biological materials remaining after exposure to environmental conditions, intense heat, certain traumatic events and in cases where a significant amount of time has passed since the death of the individual, the ability to purify large quantities of informative DNA from these hard tissues would be beneficial. Since sampling the hard tissues for genetic analysis is a destructive process, it is important to understand those environmental and intrinsic factors that contribute to DNA preservation. This will serve as a brief introduction to these topics, since skeletal sampling strategies and molecular taphonomy have been discussed in depth elsewhere. Additionally advances in skeletal DNA extraction and analysis will be discussed. Currently there is great variation in the DNA isolation methods used by laboratories to purify DNA from the hard tissues; however, a standardized set of short tandem repeat (STR) loci is analyzed by many US laboratories to allow for comparisons across samples and jurisdictions. Recent advances have allowed for the generation of DNA profiles from smaller quantities of template DNA and have expanded the number of loci analyzed for greater discriminatory power and predictions regarding the geographic ancestry and phenotype of the individual. Finally, utilizing databases and expanding the number of comparison samples will be discussed in light of their role in the identification process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista E. Latham
- Biology Department, Human Identification Center, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jessica J. Miller
- Biology Department, Human Identification Center, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Antinick TC, Foran DR. Intra- and Inter-Element Variability in Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA from Fresh and Environmentally Exposed Skeletal Remains. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:88-97. [PMID: 29940697 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful identification of skeletonized remains often relies upon DNA analyses, frequently focusing on the mid-diaphysis of weight-bearing long bones. This study explored intra-bone DNA variability using bovine and porcine femora, along with calcanei and tali. DNA from fresh and short-term environmentally exposed bone was extracted utilizing demineralization and standard lysis buffer protocols, and DNA quantity and quality were measured. Overall, femoral epiphyses, metaphyses, and the tarsals had more nuclear and mitochondrial DNA than did the femoral diaphyses. DNA loss was much more rapid in buried bones than in surface exposed bones, while DNA quality differed based on environment, but not bone region/element. The demineralization protocol generated more DNA in some bone regions, while the standard lysis was more effective in others, and neither significantly affected DNA quality. Taken together, these findings reinforce the importance of considering inter- and intra-bone heterogeneity when sampling skeletal material for forensic DNA-based identifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Antinick
- Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 655 Auditorium Road, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| | - David R Foran
- Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice and Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, 655 Auditorium Road, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Elwick K, Mayes C, Hughes-Stamm S. Comparative sensitivity and inhibitor tolerance of GlobalFiler® PCR Amplification and Investigator® 24plex QS kits for challenging samples. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 32:31-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
8
|
Desmyter S, De Cock G, Moulin S, Noël F. Organic extraction of bone lysates improves DNA purification with silica beads. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:96-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|