Efficient DNA Profiling Protocols for Disaster Victim Identification

Watherston, J; Watson, J; Bruce, D; Ward, J; McNevin, D

Efficient DNA Profiling Protocols for Disaster Victim Identification

Watherston, J Watson, J Bruce, D Ward, J

McNevin, D

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Publisher:: MDPI AG
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Forensic Sciences, 2021, 1, (3), pp. 148-170
Issue Date:: 2021-10-21

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Watherston, J
dc.contributor.author	Watson, J
dc.contributor.author	Bruce, D
dc.contributor.author	Ward, J https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9359-9806
dc.contributor.author	McNevin, D https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1665-3367
dc.date.accessioned	2021-12-01T02:09:23Z
dc.date.available	2021-12-01T02:09:23Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10-21
dc.identifier.citation	Forensic Sciences, 2021, 1, (3), pp. 148-170
dc.identifier.issn	0022-1198
dc.identifier.issn	2673-6756
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/151953
dc.description.abstract	<jats:p>Advances in forensic biology have increased the options for the collection, sampling, preservation and processing of human remains for DNA-based identification. Combined with a plethora of commercial DNA testing kits that are far more forgiving of inhibited and degraded samples, efficient DNA approaches to post-mortem samples are explored here for DNA-based identification of compromised human remains. Approaches which preserve sample and reduce analytical turnaround times whilst saving resources also have the potential to expedite the identification process, to provide answers to grieving families sooner, or to provide leads in a criminal investigation. Targeting sample types that are minimally-invasive and do not require extensive preparation and testing protocols also has benefit for disaster victim identification (DVI) by facilitating field sampling. We have assessed minimally-invasive and simple to collect sample types compatible with minimal pre-treatment and efficient DNA profiling approaches. Incubating nail, distal phalanges and whole digits in 500 µL of PrepFiler™ Lysis Buffer for 2 h was an efficient and simple method, limiting or removing sample preparation. A reduced 15 min incubation also yielded DNA profiles suggesting a shorter incubation may lyse sufficient DNA. Preservative solutions offer an even simpler process in some cases. Furthermore, the efficient approaches described in this study offer storage solutions and are compatible with backend automated processing. This study will inform further research to develop and optimise efficient protocols. These DNA approaches should not be pursued for every sample; more compromised samples may best be submitted to the laboratory for more effective extraction and genotyping.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	MDPI AG
dc.relation.ispartof	Forensic Sciences
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3390/forensicsci1030014
dc.rights	Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/).
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Efficient DNA Profiling Protocols for Disaster Victim Identification
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2021-12-01T02:09:22Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	1
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

Advances in forensic biology have increased the options for the collection, sampling, preservation and processing of human remains for DNA-based identification. Combined with a plethora of commercial DNA testing kits that are far more forgiving of inhibited and degraded samples, efficient DNA approaches to post-mortem samples are explored here for DNA-based identification of compromised human remains. Approaches which preserve sample and reduce analytical turnaround times whilst saving resources also have the potential to expedite the identification process, to provide answers to grieving families sooner, or to provide leads in a criminal investigation. Targeting sample types that are minimally-invasive and do not require extensive preparation and testing protocols also has benefit for disaster victim identification (DVI) by facilitating field sampling. We have assessed minimally-invasive and simple to collect sample types compatible with minimal pre-treatment and efficient DNA profiling approaches. Incubating nail, distal phalanges and whole digits in 500 µL of PrepFiler™ Lysis Buffer for 2 h was an efficient and simple method, limiting or removing sample preparation. A reduced 15 min incubation also yielded DNA profiles suggesting a shorter incubation may lyse sufficient DNA. Preservative solutions offer an even simpler process in some cases. Furthermore, the efficient approaches described in this study offer storage solutions and are compatible with backend automated processing. This study will inform further research to develop and optimise efficient protocols. These DNA approaches should not be pursued for every sample; more compromised samples may best be submitted to the laboratory for more effective extraction and genotyping.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/151953