Abstract
STR analysis of DNA extracted from skeletal samples can play an important role in the identification of missing persons. Here we present a method for the extraction of DNA from skeletal samples involving complete demineralization and digestion of the sample, followed by purification by silica binding. This method, together with the multiplex STR typing approach also presented, has proven highly successful in the recovery of DNA profiles from degraded, aged skeletal remains from a wide range of environmental contexts. The methodological steps presented include bone decontamination and grinding, DNA extraction, repurification in the case of highly inhibited samples, quantification, STR multiplex amplification, and profile reporting guidelines. However, the conditions applied for amplification and the criteria for allele calling and profile submission must be based on the results of each laboratory’s internal validation experiments involving the type of samples relevant to the project at hand. The methods presented here have permitted large-scale DNA-based identification of persons missing from mass disasters and armed conflict.
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Acknowledgments
Many ICMP staff members have been involved in the development, validation, and/or long-term use of the protocols presented here; their excellent work and dedication is much appreciated. We particularly acknowledge the managerial and other assistance of Adnan Rizvić, Adam Boys, and Kathryne Bomberger.
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Huel, R., Amory, S., Bilić, A., Vidović, S., Jasaragić, E., Parsons, T.J. (2012). DNA Extraction from Aged Skeletal Samples for STR Typing by Capillary Electrophoresis. In: Alonso, A. (eds) DNA Electrophoresis Protocols for Forensic Genetics. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 830. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-461-2_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-461-2_13
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