Title

Simplified low-copy-number DNA analysis by Post-PCR purification

Authors

Authors

P. J. Smith;J. Ballantyne

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Forensic Sci.

Keywords

forensic science; DNA typing; polymerase chain reaction; purification; low copy number; identifiler; MinElute; microcon; montage PCR; ExoSAP-IT; MULTIPLEX SYSTEM; AMPLIFICATION KIT; STR LOCI; VALIDATION; SAMPLES; SINGLE; FINGERPRINTS; QUANTITIES; Medicine, Legal

Abstract

Frequently, evidentiary items contain an insufficient quantity of DNA to obtain complete or even partial DNA profiles using standard forensic gentotyping techniques. Such low-copy-number (LCN) samples are usually subjected to increased amplification cylces to obtain genetic data. In this study, a 28-cycle polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate various methods of post-PCR purification for their effects on the sensitivity of fluorophore-based allelic detection subsequent to capillary electrophoretic separation. The amplified product was purified using filtration, silica gel membrane, and enzyme mediated hydrolysis purification techniques and evaluated for their effect on fluorescent allelic signal intensity. A purification method was selected and its effect on fluorescent allelic signal intensity was compared with that of the unpurified PCR product. A method of post-PCR purification is described which increases the sensitivity of standard 28-cycle PCR such that profiles from LCN DNA templates ( < 100 pg DNA) can be obtained. Full DNA profiles were consistently obtained with as little as 20 pg template DNA without increased cycle number. In mock case type samples with dermal ridge fingerprints, genetic profiles were obtained by amplification with 28 cycles followed by post-PCR purification whereas no profiles were obtained without purification of the PCR product. Allele dropout, increased stutter, and sporadic contamination typical of LCN analysis were observed; however, no contamination was observed in negative amplification controls. Post-PCR purification of the PCR product can increase the sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis to such an extent that DNA profiles can be obtained from < 100 pg of DNA using 28-cycle amplification.

Journal Title

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume

52

Issue/Number

4

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

820

Last Page

829

WOS Identifier

WOS:000247227600007

ISSN

0022-1198

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