Mitochondrial genome interrogation for forensic casework and research studies.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is crucial for forensic identification and research.
• Forensic samples often contain degraded or inhibited DNA, posing analytical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe robust methods for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis in forensic and research contexts.
• To provide protocols applicable to degraded DNA samples commonly found in forensic casework.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of mtDNA before and after amplification.
• Amplification of the entire control region and whole mitochondrial genome (mtGenome).
• Post-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cleanup and sequencing.

Main Results:

• Developed high-throughput protocols for forensic DNA testing, including reference samples and population studies.
• Validated procedures for interrogating the entire mitochondrial genome (mtGenome).
• Established protocols suitable for degraded and inhibited DNA samples.

Conclusions:

• The described mtDNA analysis methods are effective for forensic casework, even with compromised DNA.
• These protocols support high-throughput databasing and population studies.
• The methods are also applicable to biomedical research, including age-related diseases and health disparities.