[Quantification of human DNA from forensic samples via real time PCR by the help of a telomerase assay]

Quantitative data concerning the content of human DNA and the effect of PCR inhibitors in a sample would provide very important information within a forensic DNA analysis. With the help of real-time PCR it is possible to test DNA samples for these influencing factors. However, the amplified DNA segments detected by means of usual TaqMan DNA probes are longer than most of the short tandem repeats to be investigated. Because of possible DNA degradation, a DNA probe located in the human telomerase transcriptase gene was successfully tested on forensic samples in the present study. Its amplified DNA segment is only 94 bases in length and, thus, shorter than the short tandem repeats. Therefore, it seems perfectly suited for the examination of degraded DNA. With the telomerase probe it was possible to obtain accurate results of the influence factors mentioned above. Based on the findings of this examination and on a case example, in which the poorly preserved remains of a baby were subjected to paternity testing, the possible uses of the telomerase assay are discussed.