[The application of PCR-SSCP in forensic mtDNA typing]

To study the application of PCR-SSCP in forensic mtDNA typing.

Primers flanking the mtDNA HV-I and HV-II regions were designed. By PCR-SSCP techniques, 70 family trios and 140 unrelated Wuhan Han individuals were investigated and analyzed.

In 70 family trios, the SSCP profiles in region HV-I and HV-II of children were not same to that of their fathers in 98.57% and 97.13% respectively but were identical with their mothers. In 140 unrelated Wuhan Han individuals, 21 haplotypes were found in HVI, GD = 0.9556; 16 haplotypes were found in HVII, GD = 0.9356.

PCR-SSCP technique may be useful in forensic mtDNA typing, especially for screening the suspects.