[Whole-genome amplification by MDA to improve sensitivity of forensic expert examination of chromosomal DNA]

This pilot project has the objective to evaluate the possibility of application of the multiple displacement amplification (MDA) technique to whole-genome amplification with a view to improving sensitivity of molecular-genetic test-systems. Preparations of total cellular DNA were amplified by MDA and analysed to assess conserved specificity of chromosomal DNA and its enhanced template activity in the standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for typing allele variants of polymorphous DNA loci. DNA samples before and after MDA showed virtually identical genotypic combinations of alleles. Allele fragments were stably detected at a level of DNA 4-5 times lower than in the standard test. The results of the study indicate that the MDA technique provides a promising tool to improve reliability of forensic- expert examination of chromosomal DNA and imply the necessity to further develop forensic-medical aspects of this method.