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Methods to Enable Spatial Transcriptomics of Bone Tissues
Published on: May 3, 2024
The effects of different maceration techniques on nuclear DNA amplification using human bone
Esther J Lee1, Jennifer G Luedtke, Jamie L Allison
1Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, SUNY, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|April 14, 2010
Summary
Heat treatments like microwave or boiling Biz/Na(2)CO(3) effectively macerate bone for nuclear DNA analysis. These methods preserve amplifiable DNA for forensic identification using Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) markers.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bone maceration is crucial for forensic analysis but can degrade DNA.
- Previous studies explored nuclear DNA recovery from pig ribs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nuclear DNA amplification from human bone using standard Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) markers after various maceration techniques.
- To identify optimal bone maceration methods for preserving genetic evidence.
Main Methods:
- Human lower leg bones (18 samples) were subjected to nine different chemical and heat maceration techniques.
- Nuclear DNA was extracted and amplified using AmpFlSTR COfiler and AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus ID kits.
Main Results:
- Microwave and sub-boiling Biz/Na(2)CO(3) heat treatments efficiently macerated bone.
- These heat treatments yielded amplifiable nuclear DNA suitable for genetic analysis.
- Long-term hydrogen peroxide use resulted in poor bone quality and reduced DNA amplification.
Conclusions:
- Specific heat-based maceration techniques are effective for forensic DNA analysis.
- Avoid prolonged chemical treatments like hydrogen peroxide to preserve DNA integrity.
