A time course study on STR profiles derived from human bone, muscle, and bone marrow

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing is crucial in forensic investigations.
• Establishing reliable DNA profiles from degraded human remains presents a significant challenge.
• Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a standard method for DNA profiling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for DNA typing of human rib bone exposed to environmental conditions.
• To compare DNA profiling success rates between bone, muscle, and bone marrow tissues over time.
• To validate the use of the AmpF/STR Profiler Plus kit for degraded DNA samples.

Main Methods:

• Collected rib bone samples from 12 individuals, exposing portions to surface and buried conditions for up to 17 months.
• Extracted DNA from bone, muscle, and bone marrow tissues.
• Amplified nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci and the amelogenin locus using the AmpF/STR Profiler Plus PCR kit.

Main Results:

• Complete DNA profiles were obtained from surface bone samples exposed for up to 17 months.
• Muscle and bone marrow samples yielded complete profiles only up to eight weeks of exposure.
• All DNA typing results were consistent with dried blood reference standards.

Conclusions:

• The AmpF/STR Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit is a valid method for establishing DNA profiles from human rib bone, even after prolonged environmental exposure.
• Surface bone tissue is a more robust source for DNA profiling of degraded human remains compared to muscle or bone marrow.
• This method supports the identification of individuals from aged skeletal remains in forensic contexts.