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Housman G. Advances in skeletal genomics research across tissues and cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 88:102245. [PMID: 39180931 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic variation within the skeleton has biological, behavioral, and biomedical functional implications for individuals and species. Thus, it is critical to understand how genomic, environmental, and mediating regulatory factors combine and interact to drive skeletal trait development and evolution. Recent research efforts to clarify these mechanisms have been made possible by expanded collections of genomic and phenotypic data from in vivo skeletal tissues, as well as the development of relevant in vitro skeletal cell culture systems. This review outlines this current work and recommends that continued exploration of this complexity should include an increased focus on how interactions between genomic and physiologically relevant contexts contribute to skeletal trait variation at population and evolutionary scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Housman
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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2
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Golob A, Kravanja P, Concato M, Leskovar T, Zupanič Pajnič I. Searching for alternative high DNA-yielding bone types for DNA analysis of aged skeletal remains. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 362:112184. [PMID: 39098141 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The petrous bone contains significantly higher amounts of DNA than any other human bone. Because of highly destructive sampling and because it is not always part of the recovered remains, the need for alternative sources of DNA is important. To identify additional optimal bone types, petrous bones were compared to femurs, tali, and calcanei sampled from 66 adult skeletons from two distinct modern-era Christian cemeteries. An extraction method employing full demineralization was used to obtain DNA, real-time PCR quantification to ascertain DNA quantity and degradation, and a commercial forensic short tandem repeats (STR) PCR amplification kit to determine genetic profiles. Statistical analysis was performed to explore the differences in DNA yield, DNA degradation, and success of STR amplification. A systematic studies exploring intra-skeletal variability in DNA preservation including various excavation sites differing by time period and geographical position are rare, and the second part of the investigation was based on a comparison of both archaeological sites, which allowed us to compare the effect of different post-mortem intervals and environmental conditions on DNA preservation. The older burial site in Črnomelj was active between the 13th and 18th century, whereas the more recent Polje burial was in use from the 16th to 19th century, creating different temporal and geographical environments. Results for the Črnomelj burial site revealed that the petrous bone outperformed all other bone types studied, except the calcaneus. At the Polje archeological site calcanei, tali, and femurs yielded the same STR typing success as petrous bones. The results obtained highlight the importance of careful bone sample selection for DNA analysis of aged skeletal remains. In addition to petrous bones, calcanei were found to be an alternative source of DNA when older burial sites are investigated. When more recent burial sites are processed, calcanei, tali, and femurs should be sampled besides petrous bones, not only because they exhibited good performance, but also because of easier sampling and easier grinding in the case of trabecular bones. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential use of various skeletal types as a source of DNA for investigation of aged skeletal remains, and it offers practical implications for forensic and archaeological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aja Golob
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Pia Kravanja
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Monica Concato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health, University of Trieste, Trieste 34137, Italy
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
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3
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Kovačič N. DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103067. [PMID: 38833778 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Significant variation exists in the molecular structure of compact and trabecular bone. In compact bone full dissolution of the bone powder is required to efficiently release the DNA from hydroxyapatite. In trabecular bone where soft tissues are preserved, we assume that full dissolution of the bone powder is not required to release the DNA from collagen. To investigate this issue, research was performed on 45 Second World War diaphysis (compact bone)-epiphysis (trabecular bone) femur pairs, each processed with a full dissolution (FD) and partial dissolution (PD) extraction method. DNA quality and quantity were assessed using qPCR PowerQuant analyses, and autosomal STRs were typed to confirm the authenticity of isolated DNA. Our results support different mechanisms of DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone because FD method was more efficient than PD method only in compact bone, and no difference in DNA yield was observed in trabecular bone, showing no need for full dissolution of the bone powder when trabecular bone tissue is processed. In addition, a significant difference in DNA yield was observed between compact and trabecular bone when PD was applied, with more DNA extracted from trabecular bone than compact bone. High suitability of trabecular bone processed with PD method is also supported by the similar quantities of DNA isolated by FD method when applied to both compact and trabecular bone. Additionally similar quantities of DNA were isolated when compact bone was extracted with FD method and trabecular bone was extracted with PD method. Processing trabecular bone with PD method in routine identification of skeletonized human remains shortens the extraction procedure and simplifies the grinding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Nika Kovačič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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Leskovar T, Jerman I, Zupanič Pajnič I. The mysteries of DNA preservation in bone: A comparative study of petrous bones and metacarpal epiphyses using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 360:112076. [PMID: 38821024 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of 26 petrous bones and epiphyses of metacarpals from the Second World War era revealed no significant differences in DNA yield or success in STR typing. This unexpected parity in DNA preservation between the petrous bone, a renowned source of endogenous DNA in skeletal remains, and the epiphyses of metacarpals, which are porous and susceptible to taphonomic changes, is surprising. In this study, we introduced ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an approach to unravel the correlation between bone molecular structure and DNA preservation. Metacarpals and petrous bones with same taphonomic history were sampled and prepared for DNA analyses. While one portion of the sample was used for DNA analysis, the other underwent ATR-FTIR spectroscopic examination. The normalized spectra and FTIR indices between the epiphyses of metacarpals and petrous bones were compared. Because the taphonomic history of the remains used is relatively short and stable, the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy unveiled subtle structural differences between the two bone types. Petrous bones exhibited higher mineralization, whereas epiphyses contained more organic matter. The unexpected preservation of DNA in the epiphyses of metacarpals can likely be attributed to the presence of soft tissue remnants within the trabeculae. Here observed differences in the molecular structure of bones indicate there are different mechanisms enabling DNA preservation in skeletal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
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5
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Di Stefano B, Zupanič Pajnič I, Concato M, Bertoglio B, Calvano MG, Sorçaburu Ciglieri S, Bosetti A, Grignani P, Addoum Y, Vetrini R, Introna F, Bonin S, Previderè C, Fattorini P. Evaluation of a New DNA Extraction Method on Challenging Bone Samples Recovered from a WWII Mass Grave. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:672. [PMID: 38927608 PMCID: PMC11202841 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bones and teeth represent a common finding in ancient DNA studies and in forensic casework, even after a long burial. Genetic typing is the gold standard for the personal identification of skeletal remains, but there are two main factors involved in the successful DNA typing of such samples: (1) the set-up of an efficient DNA extraction method; (2) the identification of the most suitable skeletal element for the downstream genetic analyses. In this paper, a protocol based on the processing of 0.5 g of bone powder decalcified using Na2EDTA proved to be suitable for a semi-automated DNA extraction workflow using the Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit (Promega, Madison, WI, USA). The performance of this method in terms of DNA recovery and quality was compared with a full demineralisation extraction protocol based on Qiagen technology and kits. No statistically significant differences were scored according to the DNA recovery and DNA degradation index (p-values ≥ 0.176; r ≥ 0.907). This new DNA extraction protocol was applied to 88 bone samples (41 femurs, 19 petrous bones, 12 metacarpals and 16 molars) allegedly belonging to 27 World War II Italian soldiers found in a mass grave on the isle of Cres (Croatia). The results of the qPCR performed by the Quantifiler Human DNA Quantification kit showed values above the lowest Limit of Quantification (lLOQ; 23 pg/µL) for all petrous bones, whereas other bone types showed, in most cases, lower amounts of DNA. Replicate STR-CE analyses showed successful typing (that is, >12 markers) in all tests on the petrous bones, followed by the metacarpals (83.3%), femurs (52.2%) and teeth (20.0%). Full profiles (22/22 autosomal markers) were achieved mainly in the petrous bones (84.2%), followed by the metacarpals (41.7%). Stochastic amplification artefacts such as drop-outs or drop-ins occurred with a frequency of 1.9% in the petrous bones, whereas they were higher when the DNA recovered from other bone elements was amplified (up to 13.9% in the femurs). Overall, the results of this study confirm that petrous bone outperforms other bone elements in terms of the quantity and quality of the recovered DNA; for this reason, if available, it should always be preferred for genetic testing. In addition, our results highlight the need for accurate planning of the DVI operation, which should be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team, and the tricky issue of identifying other suitable skeletal elements for genetic testing. Overall, the results presented in this paper support the need to adopt preanalytical strategies positively related to the successful genetic testing of aged skeletal remains in order to reduce costs and the time of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Di Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Monica Concato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Barbara Bertoglio
- Section of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Maria Grazia Calvano
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM), University-Hospital of Bari, Giulio Cesare Square 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Solange Sorçaburu Ciglieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
| | | | - Pierangela Grignani
- Section of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Yasmine Addoum
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Raffaella Vetrini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Francesco Introna
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM), University-Hospital of Bari, Giulio Cesare Square 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Carlo Previderè
- Section of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Paolo Fattorini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.S.); (M.C.); (S.S.C.); (Y.A.); (R.V.); (S.B.); (P.F.)
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Otagiri T, Sato N, Shiozaki T, Harayama Y, Matsumoto M, Kobayashi K, Asamura H. An optimal skeletal element for DNA testing: Evaluation of DNA quantity and quality from various bone types in routine forensic practice. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 68:102415. [PMID: 38280273 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
For human identification, the quality and quantity of DNA must be sufficient for amplification and analysis. When DNA extraction from bone tissues and teeth is required, the optimal skeletal elements should be selected as samples for DNA extraction because DNA yield differs among elements. Recently, some studies have reported that a high quantity of high-quality DNA can be extracted from the small cancellous bones of the hands and feet. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of small cancellous bones in the human identification of skeletal remains in routine forensic genetic casework. Cancellous bones [phalanges, (meta)carpal bones, and (meta)tarsal bones)] and the cortical bones (femur and petrous bones) and teeth, which have generally been recommended as samples, were collected from the same individuals that needed identifying using DNA analysis in our laboratory. The quantity of DNA from small cancellous bones tended to be higher than that from cortical bones, and the quality from the former was as high as that from the latter. This study showed that in routine forensic casework, the small cancellous bones of the hands and feet should be actively selected as samples for DNA testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Otagiri
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Noriko Sato
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Shiozaki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Yuta Harayama
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Momoe Matsumoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Kanya Kobayashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Hideki Asamura
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
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Obal M, Zupanc T, Zupanič Pajnič I. Measure quantity of mitochondrial DNA in aged bones or calculate it from nuclear DNA quantitative PCR results? Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1653-1659. [PMID: 37558822 PMCID: PMC10567894 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is of great value in forensics to procure information about a person when a next of kin, personal belongings, or other sources of nuclear DNA (nDNA) are unavailable, or nDNA is lacking in quality and quantity. The quality and reliability of the results depend greatly on ensuring optimal conditions for the given method, for instance, the optimal input of the copy number (CN) in next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. The unavailability of commercial quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods to determine mtDNA CN creates the necessity to rely on recommendations to infer mtDNA CN from nDNA yield. Because nDNA yield varies between individuals, tissues, parts of the same tissue, and because mtDNA CN varies between tissues, such assumptions must be examined for a specific context, rather than be generalized. This study compares mtDNA CN calculated from nDNA yield and qPCR measured mtDNA CN. Seventy-five femurs from the Second World War victims were used as samples; they were cut below the greater trochanter, surface contaminants were removed by mechanical and chemical cleaning, samples were fully demineralized, and DNA was isolated. PowerQuant® Kit (Promega) was used to analyze DNA yield. An in-house method was used to determine mtDNA CN. Comparison of mtDNA CN from nDNA derived calculations and measured mtDNA CN highlighted vast differences. The results emphasize the need to perform qPCR to assess mtDNA CN before NGS analyses of aged bones' mitogenomes rather than estimating mtDNA CN from nDNA yield to ensure the quality and reliability of the results of NGS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Obal
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Leskovar T, Črešnar M. Eye and hair color prediction of an early medieval adult and subadult skeleton using massive parallel sequencing technology. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1629-1638. [PMID: 37284851 PMCID: PMC10421759 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic trait prediction in ancient DNA analysis can provide information about the external appearance of individuals from past human populations. Some studies predicting eye and hair color in ancient adult skeletons have been published, but not for ancient subadult skeletons, which are more prone to decay. In this study, eye and hair color were predicted for an early medieval adult skeleton and a subadult skeleton that was anthropologically characterized as a middle-aged man and a subadult of unknown sex about 6 years old. When processing the petrous bones, precautions were taken to prevent contamination with modern DNA. The MillMix tissue homogenizer was used for grinding, 0.5 g of bone powder was decalcified, and DNA was purified in Biorobot EZ1. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel for massive parallel sequencing (MPS) analysis. Library preparation and templating were performed on the HID Ion Chef Instrument and sequencing on the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Up to 21 ng DNA/g of powder was obtained from ancient petrous bones. Clean negative controls and no matches with elimination database profiles confirmed no contamination issue. Brown eyes and dark brown or black hair were predicted for the adult skeleton and blue eyes and brown or dark brown hair for the subadult skeleton. The MPS analysis results obtained proved that it is possible to predict hair and eye color not only for an adult from the Early Middle Ages, but also for a subadult skeleton dating to this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Črešnar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Rahmat RA, Humphries MA, Saedon NA, Self PG, Linacre AMT. Diagnostic models to predict nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA recovery from incinerated teeth. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1353-1360. [PMID: 37306739 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Teeth are frequently used for human identification from burnt remains, as the structure of a tooth is resilient against heat exposure. The intricate composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) mineral and collagen in teeth favours DNA preservation compared to soft tissues. Regardless of the durability, the integrity of the DNA structure in teeth can still be disrupted when exposed to heat. Poor DNA quality can negatively affect the success of DNA analysis towards human identification. The process of isolating DNA from biological samples is arduous and costly. Thus, an informative pre-screening method that could aid in selecting samples that can potentially yield amplifiable DNA would be of excellent value. A multiple linear regression model to predict the DNA content in incinerated pig teeth was developed based on the colourimetry, HA crystallite size and quantified nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The chromaticity a* was found to be a significant predictor of the regression model. This study outlines a method to predict the viability of extracting nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from pig teeth that were exposed to a wide range of temperatures (27 to 1000 °C) with high accuracy (99.5-99.7%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabiah A Rahmat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Melissa A Humphries
- School and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nor A Saedon
- Forensic DNA Division, Forensic Science Analysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, Selangor, 46661, Malaysia
| | - Peter G Self
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Adrian M T Linacre
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
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Hider J, Duggan AT, Klunk J, Eaton K, Long GS, Karpinski E, Giuffra V, Ventura L, Fornaciari A, Fornaciari G, Golding GB, Prowse TL, Poinar HN. Examining pathogen DNA recovery across the remains of a 14th century Italian friar (Blessed Sante) infected with Brucella melitensis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2022; 39:20-34. [PMID: 36174312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate variation in ancient DNA recovery of Brucella melitensis, the causative agent of brucellosis, from multiple tissues belonging to one individual MATERIALS: 14 samples were analyzed from the mummified remains of the Blessed Sante, a 14 th century Franciscan friar from central Italy, with macroscopic diagnosis of probable brucellosis. METHODS Shotgun sequencing data from was examined to determine the presence of Brucella DNA. RESULTS Three of the 14 samples contained authentic ancient DNA, identified as belonging to B. melitensis. A genome (23.81X depth coverage, 0.98 breadth coverage) was recovered from a kidney stone. Nine of the samples contained reads classified as B. melitensis (7-169), but for many the data quality was insufficient to withstand our identification and authentication criteria. CONCLUSIONS We identified significant variation in the preservation and abundance of B. melitensis DNA present across multiple tissues, with calcified nodules yielding the highest number of authenticated reads. This shows how greatly sample selection can impact pathogen identification. SIGNIFICANCE Our results demonstrate variation in the preservation and recovery of pathogen DNA across tissues. This study highlights the importance of sample selection in the reconstruction of infectious disease burden and highlights the importance of a holistic approach to identifying disease. LIMITATIONS Study focuses on pathogen recovery in a single individual. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Further analysis of how sampling impacts aDNA recovery will improve pathogen aDNA recovery and advance our understanding of disease in past peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hider
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Ana T Duggan
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Klunk
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Daicel Arbor Biosciences, 5840 Interface Drive, Suite 101, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
| | - Katherine Eaton
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - George S Long
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Emil Karpinski
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Valentina Giuffra
- Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Medical School, via Roma 57, 56126 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Luca Ventura
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Division of Pathology, San Salvatore Hospital, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, AQ, Italy
| | - Antonio Fornaciari
- Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Medical School, via Roma 57, 56126 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Gino Fornaciari
- Maria Luisa di Borbone Academy, Villa Borbone, viale dei Tigli 32, 55049 Viareggio, LU, Italy
| | - G Brian Golding
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tracy L Prowse
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Hendrik N Poinar
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada
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11
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Šuligoj A, Mesesnel S, Leskovar T, Podovšovnik E, Zupanič Pajnič I. Comparison of DNA preservation between adult and non-adult ancient skeletons. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1521-1539. [PMID: 36048257 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies evaluating DNA preservation in non-adults, or comparing preservation in adults and non-adults, are very rare. This study compares the preservation of DNA in the skeletal remains of adults and non-adults. It compares the quality and quantity of DNA recovered from different skeletal elements of adults and non-adults, and from non-adults of different age classes. In addition, the preservation of DNA in males and females is compared. Bone DNA preservation was estimated by measuring nuclear DNA concentration and its degradation, and through STR typing success. The study analyzed 29 adult skeletons and 23 non-adult skeletons from the Ljubljana-Polje archeological site, dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth century, and up to four skeletal elements (petrous bone, femur, calcaneus, and talus) were included. After full demineralization extraction, the PowerQuant System and the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega) were used for qPCR and STR typing, respectively. The results showed that, among the four bone types analyzed, only the petrous bone proved to be a suitable source of DNA for STR typing of non-adult skeletal remains, and DNA yield is even higher than in the adult petrous bone, which can be attributed to the higher DNA degradation observed in the adult petrous bone. In adult skeletons, petrous bones and tali produced high STR amplification success and low DNA yield was observed in adult femurs. The results of this study are applicable for the sampling strategy in routine forensic genetics cases for solving identification cases, including badly preserved non-adult and also adult skeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Šuligoj
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Mesesnel
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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12
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Comparison of DNA preservation between ribs and vertebrae. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1247-1253. [PMID: 35729437 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The choice of skeletal element types and their intra-bone parts is important because of differences in DNA preservation, and this must be considered when sampling bones for DNA testing. When incomplete skeletons are found, ribs and vertebrae have been shown to be the most suitable for genetic identification of bones from the torso. This study compares the preservation of DNA between 12th thoracic vertebrae and first ribs to determine which bone type is more suitable for genetic typing. The study analyzed 35 12th thoracic vertebrae and 29 first ribs from one mass grave from the Second World War with commingled skeletal remains excavated. Bone DNA preservation was estimated by measuring nuclear DNA concentration and its degradation and through short tandem repeat (STR) typing success. Previous studies performed on aged skeletal remains have shown that the DNA content of the first ribs and 12th thoracic vertebrae has high intra-bone variability, and this was considered when sampling the bones. After full demineralization extraction, the PowerQuant System (Promega) was used to measure the quantity and quality of DNA, and the GlobalFiler kit (Applied Biosystems) was used for STR typing. The results showed that DNA yield and degradation and STR typing success exhibited no statistically significant difference between first ribs and 12th thoracic vertebrae, and there was no intra-individual difference when comparing only paired bones from the same individuals. Consequently, with intra-bone DNA variability considered, the first ribs or the 12th thoracic vertebrae can be selected when sampling to genetically identify the skeletal remains of highly degraded torsos. HIGHLIGHTS: The first ribs and thoracic vertebrae are the most suitable bones for sampling from the torso. The proximal part of first rib and posterior vertebral column of the 12th thoracic vertebrae yielded the most DNA. The first ribs were compared with the 12th thoracic vertebrae, and the sampling process considered intra-bone DNA variability. The quality and quantity of nuclear DNA and success of STR typing were measured. The first ribs yielded the same DNA yields as well as STR typing success as the 12th thoracic vertebrae. When only the torso is present, it is not of high importance whether the first ribs or the 12th thoracic vertebrae are collected.
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13
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Benedik Bevc T, Božič L, Podovšovnik E, Zupanc T, Zupanič Pajnič I. Intra-bone nuclear DNA variability and STR typing success in Second World War 12th thoracic vertebrae. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 55:102587. [PMID: 34479116 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bones are an important source of DNA for identification in forensic medicine, especially when the remains are skeletonized, which is the case when dealing with victims of the Second World War. Often the amount of bone available for sampling is limited, and therefore it is crucial to sample the bone segment with the highest adequate DNA quantity for identification. Studies performed on all representative skeletal element types of the human body showed that the amount of DNA obtained from different skeletal elements of different body regions varies greatly. When bones from torso were analyzed, thoracic vertebrae outperformed other vertebrae (cervical and lumbar) and, alongside the first ribs, were among the most appropriate bone elements for identification purposes. It was also shown that the quantity of DNA varies significantly within a single bone type. This study focused on exploring intra-bone DNA variability between five parts of 12th thoracic vertebrae (laminae + spinous process, pedicles + transverse processes, and corpus right, left, and middle). The research was based on the theory that the distribution of body weight and consequently bone remodeling, as well as the ratio between cancellous and cortical bone, contribute to different quantities of DNA in different parts of vertebra sampled. The vertebrae were cleaned and cut into five parts, and each part was completely ground to obtain homogenous bone powder. Half a gram of powder from each part was decalcified using a full demineralization extraction method. The DNA was purified in a Biorobot EZ1 machine (Qiagen). DNA quantity and quality were determined using the PowerQuant System (Promega) and autosomal STR typing success using the GlobalFiler Amplification Kit (Applied Biosystems). Thirty-five 12th thoracic vertebrae were sampled from a single Second World War mass grave. The best results with the highest DNA quantity were found in laminae and the spinous process, and among them all vertebrae analyzed yielded full STR profiles except three, where only a few dropouts occurred. The second-ranked bone part was the pedicles and transverse processes. The comparison of DNA degradation in the vertebral segments analyzed does not show statistically significant differences. Considering our research, when only the torso is available for identification, the 12th thoracic vertebra should be collected and the vertebral arch should be sampled for genetic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajda Benedik Bevc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Laura Božič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Podovšovnik
- Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica, University of Primorska, Portorož, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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14
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Inkret J, Zupanc T, Podovšovnik E. Comparison of nuclear DNA yield and STR typing success in Second World War petrous bones and metacarpals III. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 55:102578. [PMID: 34425360 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA yield and STR typing success differ among skeletal element types and within individual bones. Consequently, it is necessary to identify the skeletal elements and their intra-skeletal parts that will most likely yield utilizable and informative endogenous DNA for human identification of skeletal remains. The petrous portion of the temporal bone has been shown to be the most suitable skeletal part for sampling archaeological skeletons, and it has also been used successfully in some forensic cases. When all representative bone types were analyzed for three complete Second World War skeletons, metatarsals and metacarpals yielded more DNA than petrous bones (which generated full profiles even if the DNA yield was lower) and, among almost 200 Second World War metatarsals and metacarpals analyzed, metacarpals III were found to be the highest-yielding bones. To further improve the sampling strategy in DNA analysis of aged skeletal remains, a comparison between 26 petrous bones and 30 metacarpals III from Second World War skeletons was made considering intra-bone DNA yield variability. In metacarpals III only epiphyses were sampled, and in petrous bones only the dense part within the otic capsule was used. To exclude the influence of taphonomic issues as much as possible, petrous bones and metacarpals III from a single Second World War mass grave were examined. The difference between petrous bones and metacarpals III was explored by measuring nuclear DNA yield and success of STR typing. After cleaning the samples, full demineralization extraction was used to decalcify 0.5 g of powdered bone. PowerQuant (Promega) was used to determine DNA content and DNA degradation rates, and STR typing was performed using the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega). Metacarpals III produced the same DNA yields and STR typing success as petrous bones with no intra-individual difference observed in concentration of DNA, degradation rate, percentage of successfully amplified alleles, and intensity of electrophoretic signals. Sampling and processing of metacarpal III epiphyses is consequently recommended for genetic identification of highly degraded skeletal remains in routine forensic casework and in buried non-commingled aged skeletal remains whenever metacarpals III are preserved. Metacarpals III are easy to sample and less prone to contamination with modern DNA because no saw is needed for sampling in comparison to the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The data obtained in this study further improve the sampling strategy for genetic identification of Second World War skeletal remains in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Eva Podovšovnik
- Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica, University of Primorska, Portorož, Slovenia.
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15
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Intra-bone nuclear DNA variability and STR typing success in Second World War first ribs. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2199-2208. [PMID: 34396484 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02681-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
DNA sampling and typing are used for identifying missing persons or war victims. In recent forensic studies, little focus has been placed on determining intra-bone variability within a single skeletal element. When dealing with aged human bones, complete skeletal remains are rarely present. In cases in which only the torso is available, studies have shown that ribs are one of the most appropriate samples, but intra-bone variability has not yet been studied. A higher degree of remodeling was found to contribute to higher DNA yield in the parts of the skeletal element where the most strain is concentrated. This study explores intra-bone variability in proximal, middle, and distal parts of the first human rib by determining the quantity and quality of DNA using the PowerQuant System (Promega) and autosomal STR typing success using the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega). Thirty first ribs from a single Second World War mass grave were sampled. No variation in DNA degradation was observed across the individual rib. The highest quantity of DNA was measured in the proximal part of the first rib, and in all ribs except three, full or almost full genetic profiles were obtained. Thus, when only the torso is present in archaeological or medico-legal cases, first ribs are recommended to be collected if possible, and the proximal or vertebral ends should be sampled for genetic analysis.
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16
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Rahmat RA, Humphries MA, Linacre AMT, Malik A, Saedon NA, Austin JJ. Freeze-drying improves DNA yield from teeth. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 326:110938. [PMID: 34343942 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The common method of preparing teeth prior to DNA extraction involves cleaning, decontamination, drying and pulverisation. Moisture in post-mortem teeth can promote bacterial growth and hydrolytic damage that could contribute to DNA degradation, whilst also possibly reducing the efficiency of sample pulverisation and DNA release. Here we compared DNA extraction from pig teeth, with- and without freeze-drying, to examine the impact of removing moisture on DNA yield. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify an 83 bp mitochondrial DNA fragment and two nuclear DNA fragments of 82 bp and 150 bp. The comparative results showed that sample preparation with freeze-drying resulted in a higher DNA yield without compromising the DNA quality. This study highlights the advantage of incorporating a freeze-drying to improve the DNA yield and minimising the loss of DNA during sample preparation of teeth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabiah A Rahmat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia.
| | - Melissa A Humphries
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Adrian M T Linacre
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Arif Malik
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia.
| | - Nor A Saedon
- Forensic DNA Division, Forensic Science Analysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, Selangor 46661, Malaysia.
| | - Jeremy J Austin
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia.
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17
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Mckinnon M, Henneberg M, Higgins D. A review of the current understanding of burned bone as a source of DNA for human identification. Sci Justice 2021; 61:332-338. [PMID: 34172121 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Identification of incinerated human remains may rely on genetic analysis of burned bone which can prove far more challenging than fresh tissues. Severe thermal insult results in the destruction or denaturation of DNA in soft tissues, however genetic material may be preserved in the skeletal tissues. Considerations for DNA retrieval from these samples include low levels of exogenous DNA, the dense, mineralised nature of bone, and the presence of contamination, and qPCR inhibitors. This review collates current knowledge in three areas relating to optimising DNA recovery from burned bone: 1) impact of burning on bone and subsequent effects on sample collection, 2) difficulties of preparing burned samples for DNA extraction, and 3) protocols for bone decalcification and DNA extraction. Bone decalcification and various DNA extraction protocols have been tested and optimised for ancient bone, suggesting that prolonged EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) demineralisation followed by solid-phased silica-based extraction techniques provide the greatest DNA yield. However, there is significantly less literature exploring the optimal protocol for incinerated bones. Although burned bone, like ancient and diagenetic bone, can be considered "low-copy", the taphonomic processes occurring are likely different. As techniques developed for ancient samples are tailored to deal with bone that has been altered in a particular way, it is important to understand if burned bone undergoes similar or different changes. Currently the effects of burning on bone and the DNA within it is not fully understood. Future research should focus on increasing our understanding of the effects of heat on bone and on comparing the outcome of various DNA extraction protocols for these tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Mckinnon
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Maciej Henneberg
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide Dental School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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18
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Inkret J, Podovšovnik E, Zupanc T, Haring G, Pajnič IZ. Intra-bone nuclear DNA variability in Second World War metatarsal and metacarpal bones. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1245-1256. [PMID: 33624158 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02528-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA analysis of Second World War skeletal remains is challenging because of the limited yield of DNA that is usually recovered. Recent forensic research has focused on determining which skeletal elements are superior in their preservation of DNA, and little focus has been placed on measuring intra-bone variability. Metatarsals and metacarpals outperformed all the other bones in DNA yield when analyzing all representative skeletal elements of three Second World War victims, and intra-bone variability was not studied. Soft-tissue remnants were found to contribute to higher DNA yield in trabecular bone tissue. Because metatarsals and metacarpals are composed of trabecular epiphyses and a dense diaphysis, the goal of this study was to explore intra-bone variability in DNA content by measuring nuclear DNA quantity and quality using the PowerQuant System (Promega). A total of 193 bones from a single Second World War mass grave were examined. From each bone, DNA was extracted from the compact diaphysis and from both spongy epiphyses combined. This study confirms higher DNA quantity in epiphyses than diaphyses among all the bones analyzed, and more DNA was obtained from metacarpal epiphyses than from metatarsal epiphyses. Therefore, whenever the possibility for sampling both metacarpals and metatarsals from skeletal remains exists, collecting metacarpals is recommended. In cases in which the hands are missing, metatarsals should be sampled. In any case, epiphyses are a richer source of DNA than diaphyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Podovšovnik
- Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica, University of Primorska, Portorož, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Haring
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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19
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Klavens A, Kollmann DD, Elkins KM, Zeller CB. Comparison of DNA yield and STR profiles from the diaphysis, mid-diaphysis, and metaphysis regions of femur and tibia long bones. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:1104-1113. [PMID: 33369740 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
DNA testing of human bones is performed for identification when there is no remaining soft tissue, which often means the samples are old or environmentally compromised. Under these circumstances, it can be difficult to obtain a STR DNA profile. It is important to recover the highest quantity and quality of DNA for STR typing. This study compared the DNA recovery and STR profiles from five anatomical locations in five femora and five tibiae. These locations include the proximal metaphysis, proximal diaphysis, mid-diaphysis, distal diaphysis, and distal metaphysis. Twenty-five femur samples and 25 tibia samples were analyzed using the Qiagen Investigator Quantiplex Pro RGQ Kit for quantitating the extracted DNA and the Qiagen Investigator 24plex QS Kit for STR DNA typing. The highest DNA recovery of the five regions tested in both the femur and the tibia was from the midshaft diaphysis. The femur samples resulted in a significantly higher DNA recovery than the tibia samples as analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test (P = 0.002103). The midshaft diaphysis and distal diaphysis yielded the most complete STR DNA profiles in the femora, while the distal and proximal diaphysis yielded the most complete STR DNA profiles in the tibiae. There was no correlation between the amount of DNA recovered and the completeness of the STR DNA profile produced with low template extracts in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Klavens
- TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory (THRIL), Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Dana D Kollmann
- Archaeology and Forensic Science Laboratory (AFSL), Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Kelly M Elkins
- TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory (THRIL), Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Cynthia B Zeller
- TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory (THRIL), Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
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20
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Zupanc T, Podovšovnik E, Obal M, Zupanič Pajnič I. High DNA yield from metatarsal and metacarpal bones from Slovenian Second World War skeletal remains. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 51:102426. [PMID: 33248348 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA yield varies by anatomical region, and the selection of bone types that yield maximum recovery of DNA is important to maximize the success of human identification of skeletal remains. The goal of our study was to explore inter- and intra-individual variation in DNA content by measuring nuclear DNA quantity and quality and autosomal STR typing success to determine the most promising skeletal elements for bone sampling. To exclude the influence of taphonomic issues as much as possible, three complete male skeletons from a single Second World War mass grave were examined and all representative skeletal element types of the human body were analyzed. Forty-eight different types of bones from the head, torso, arm, leg, hand, and foot were sampled from each skeleton, 144 bones altogether. The samples were cleaned, and half a gram of bone powder was decalcified using a full demineralization extraction method. The DNA was purified in a Biorobot EZ1 (Qiagen). DNA content and rates of DNA degradation were determined with the PowerQuant (Promega), and the Investigator ESSplex SE QS (Qiagen) was used for STR typing. The highest-yielding bones mostly produced the most complete STR profiles. Among the skeletal elements containing on average the most DNA and producing the most complete profiles in all three skeletons examined were metacarpals, metatarsals, and the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Metatarsals and metacarpals can easily be sampled without using a saw, thus reducing potential DNA contamination. Skeletons from the Second World War can be used as a model for poorly preserved skeletal remains, and the results of the investigation can be applied for genetic identification of highly degraded skeletal remains in routine forensic casework. Although the research was limited to only three skeletons found in a unique mass grave, the data obtained could contribute to sampling strategies for identifying old skeletal remains. More Second World War skeletons will be analyzed in the future to investigate inter-bone variation in the preservation of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Eva Podovšovnik
- Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica, University of Primorska, Portorož, Slovenia.
| | - Marcel Obal
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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21
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de Boer HH, Roberts J, Delabarde T, Mundorff AZ, Blau S. Disaster victim identification operations with fragmented, burnt, or commingled remains: experience-based recommendations. Forensic Sci Res 2020; 5:191-201. [PMID: 33224550 PMCID: PMC7654639 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2020.1751385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-made and natural disasters can result in severely fragmented, compromised, and commingled human remains. The related disaster victim identification (DVI) operations are invariably challenging, with the state of the remains potentially precluding some identifications. Practitioners involved in these DVI operations will routinely face logistical, practical, and ethical challenges. This review provides information and guidance derived from first-hand experiences to individuals tasked with managing DVI operations with fragmented human remains. We outline several key issues that should be addressed during disaster preparedness planning and at the outset of an operation, when incident-specific strategies are developed. Specific challenges during recovery and examination of fragmented remains are addressed, highlighting the importance of experienced specialists at the scene and in the mortuary. DNA sample selection and sampling techniques are reviewed, as well as downstream effects of commingling and contamination, which can complicate reconciliation and emphasise the need for rigorous quality control. We also touch on issues that may arise during communication with families. While recommendations are provided, they are not intended as proscriptive policy but rather as an addition to the general recommendations given in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) DVI Guide, to inform preparative discussions between government officials, judiciary, police, and forensic specialists.Key points A DVI operation for an incident characterised by many fragmented and otherwise compromised human remains poses specific challenges that may prolong and complicate identifications. Specialists should be consulted at the outset to address key issues related to the aim and extent of the operation. Specialist expertise in handling compromised human remains is indispensable at the scene, in the mortuary, during reconciliation, and for quality control. Continuous consultation between representatives from government, the judiciary, law enforcement, the media, and various forensic specialists will prevent unnecessary delay and facilitate accurate and timely communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans H de Boer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Roberts
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Principal Forensic Services Ltd, Bromley, UK
| | - Tania Delabarde
- Institut Médico-Légal de Paris, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, BABEL, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Amy Z Mundorff
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Soren Blau
- Department of Forensic Services, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Harrel M, Hughes-Stamm S. A Powder-free DNA Extraction Workflow for Skeletal Samples. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:601-609. [PMID: 31577371 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The processing of skeletal material poses several challenges for forensic laboratories. Current methods can be laborious, time-consuming, require dedicated equipment, and are vulnerable to contamination. In this study, various sample mass (1 × 50 mg, 3 × 50 mg, and 1 × 150 mg chip(s)) and incubation times (2, 4, and 16 h) were tested using the PrepFiler® BTA™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit to digest whole bone chips in lieu of powdering. The most effective method was then applied to bones and tooth fragments collected from contemporary human cadavers exposed to various environmental conditions using an automated platform. Over a third of the samples tested generated full DNA profiles without having to powder the bone/tooth fragment or further alter the manufacturer's protocol. However, for most samples resulting in incomplete STR profiles due to low amounts of DNA, slightly better results were achieved with powdered tissue. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential use of a faster, nonpowdering DNA extraction method for processing skeletal samples as an effective first-pass screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Harrel
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77340
| | - Sheree Hughes-Stamm
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77340.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Edson SM. Getting Ahead: Extraction of DNA from Skeletonized Cranial Material and Teeth. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1646-1657. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Suni M. Edson
- Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory Armed Forces Medical Examiner System 115 Purple Heart Drive Dover AFB DE 19902
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Edson SM. Extraction of DNA from Skeletonized Postcranial Remains: A Discussion of Protocols and Testing Modalities. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1312-1323. [PMID: 30925208 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a retrospective of the DNA analysis performed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner-Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory between 1990 and 2018. Over 13,000 postcranial osseous materials, comprised of wartime losses from World War II, the Korean War, and South-East Asia, were examined by the following: mitochondrial DNA sequencing, a modified AmpFlSTR® Yfiler™, AmpFlSTR® MiniFiler™, PowerPlex® Fusion, or NGS. Four different DNA extraction protocols were used: incomplete demineralization coupled with an organic purification; complete demineralization with an organic purification; complete demineralization with an inorganic purification using QIAquick PCR Purification Kit; and a protocol designed specifically for use with next-generation sequencing. In general, complete demineralization coupled with an organic purification was the optimal extraction protocol for sequencing of mitochondrial DNA, regardless of the osseous element tested. For STR testing, demineralization paired with an inorganic purification provided optimum results, regardless of kit used or osseous element tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suni M Edson
- Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE, 19902.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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