Molecular biological studies on teeth, and inquests

Reviewed here are three dental approaches to identification work. One is that using racemization of amino acids. Age estimation of a high correlation of 0.99 was achieved from using the whole dentine from the central vertical section. The highest correlation was also seen when soluble peptide from dentine was used, suggesting its usefulness for age estimation. The racemization rate was highest for Asp, followed by Glu and Ala in that order. The other approach reviewed in DNA typing. DNA is extracted from dental pulp for DNA fingerprinting with Y-specific probe. DNA typing is especially useful for sex determination, allowing valid determination from teeth extracted up to 21 months before the examination. A 3-cycle repetition of PCR provided an accurate sex determination from a considerably degraded DNA specimen, comparable to one freshly sampled. The other approach discussed is the content and scope of the inquests performed by dentists who participate in the identification work in mass disasters etc. In this context, the antemortem dental information including dental records and radiological records provided by families of the victims, play a major role in speedy identification.