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A simple method for extracting DNA from old skeletal material
C Cattaneo1, D M Smillie, K Gelsthorpe
1Trent Blood Transfusion Centre, Sheffield, UK.
Forensic Science International
|July 28, 1995
Summary
A new sodium acetate precipitation method effectively extracts amplifiable DNA from ancient skeletal remains. This simple technique outperforms traditional phenol/chloroform methods for forensic identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- DNA extraction from skeletal material is crucial for human remains identification.
- Existing methods, like phenol/chloroform, have limitations in efficiency and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a simple, cost-effective DNA extraction technique for bone.
- To compare the efficacy of sodium acetate precipitation with phenol/chloroform extraction.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction using sodium acetate precipitation from fresh and aged bone samples.
- Comparison with phenol/chloroform extraction.
- Confirmation of DNA presence via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of HLA-DRB1 gene sequences.
- Removal of PCR inhibitors using agarose gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- Sodium acetate precipitation consistently yielded amplifiable DNA from all bone samples, including forensic cases.
- Phenol/chloroform method showed lower success rates, failing in forensic samples.
- Agarose gel electrophoresis effectively removed PCR inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Sodium acetate precipitation is a viable, advantageous alternative for DNA extraction from bone.
- The method is simple, rapid, inexpensive, and avoids hazardous reagents.
- This technique enhances DNA recovery for forensic applications.