Forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis of 116 casework skeletal samples.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-2007
Abstract
Between February 1999 and May 2005, 116 DNA extractions were completed on skeletal remains from routine casework. Overall, at least a partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profile was obtained on 83.6% of samples. Skeletal remains fell into two general categories: (1) samples for body identifications submitted by law enforcement and (2) samples submitted to answer historical or family identity questions. Body identification cases were more likely to yield full mtDNA profiles, whereas historical cases were more likely to result in partial profiles. Overall, the ability to obtain a full or partial profile primarily reflects the difference in the average age and condition of the samples in these two categories and thus, difference in the quantity and quality of the DNA. Cremated remains were uniformly unsuccessful, whereas infant/fetal remains were uniformly successful. Heteroplasmy in skeletal remains was observed at a rate similar to that in hair ( approximately 10%). For body identification cases, skeletal remains had the same mtDNA profile as the accompanying reference sample in 50% of cases.
Volume
52
Issue
3
First Page
557
Last Page
561
ISSN
0022-1198
Published In/Presented At
Nelson, K., & Melton, T. (2007). Forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis of 116 casework skeletal samples. Journal of forensic sciences, 52(3), 557–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00407.x
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
17456082
Department(s)
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Document Type
Article