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Published on: March 9, 2015
Forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis of 116 casework skeletal samples
Kimberlyn Nelson1, Terry Melton
1Mitotyping Technologies, 2565 Park Center Boulevard, Suite 200, State College, PA 16801, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|April 26, 2007
Summary
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiling of skeletal remains is effective for identification, with over 83% of samples yielding partial or full profiles. Success rates depend on sample age and condition, with infant remains being highly successful and cremated remains unsuccessful.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Anthropology
Background:
- Skeletal remains are frequently encountered in forensic casework for identification purposes.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis offers a valuable tool for DNA profiling when nuclear DNA is degraded or absent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success rate of obtaining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles from skeletal remains in routine casework.
- To compare the efficacy of mtDNA profiling between body identification and historical/family identity cases.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from 116 skeletal remains.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profile amplification and analysis.
- Comparison of profile success rates based on sample type and casework category.
Main Results:
- A partial or full mtDNA profile was obtained from 83.6% of skeletal samples.
- Body identification cases yielded higher rates of full mtDNA profiles compared to historical cases.
- Infant/fetal remains were uniformly successful, while cremated remains were uniformly unsuccessful.
- Heteroplasmy rates in skeletal remains were similar to those observed in hair samples (approximately 10%).
- In 50% of body identification cases, the skeletal mtDNA profile matched the reference sample.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is a robust method for skeletal remains identification in forensic casework.
- Sample age and condition significantly impact the quality and quantity of obtainable DNA, influencing profile success.
- The success of mtDNA profiling highlights its utility in both contemporary forensic investigations and historical identity inquiries.
