Characterization and validation studies of powerPlex 2.1, a nine-locus short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex system and penta D monoplex.
In order to increase the power of discrimination for human identification purposes, a nine-locus short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex, the GenePrint PowerPlex 2.1 system (PowerPlex 2.1) developed by Promega Corporation and a separate pentanucleotide-repeat locus, Penta D, were tested. This megaplex system includes the highly polymorphic loci FGA, TPOX, D8S1179, vWA, Penta E, D18S51, D21S11, TH01, and D3S1358 and may be used in combination with the eight-locus STR multiplex, the GenePrint PowerPlex 1.1 system (PowerPlex 1.1) that has been previously developed. Three of the loci, TPOX, TH01 and vWA, have been included in both systems for quality control purposes. As with PowerPlex 1.1, PowerPlex 2.1 is also based on a two-color detection of fluorescent-labeled DNA products amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and provides a valuable tool for accurate and rapid allele determination. The primer sequences used in the PowerPlex 2.1/Penta D system are also presented in this report. To meet the "Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories" (FBI), we tested the efficiency and reproducibility of the PowerPlex 2.1/PentaD system by several validation studies that were conducted as a joint project among seven laboratories. Validation tests included concordance studies, sensitivity, and species specificity determination, as well as performance in forensic and environmentally impacted samples. The results produced from these tests demonstrated the consistency and reliability of the PowerPlex 2.1/Penta D system.
Levedakou
Eleni N
EN
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Raleigh 27603, USA.
Freeman
David A
DA
Budzynski
Michael J
MJ
Early
Buddy E
BE
Damaso
Ruth C
RC
Pollard
Anne M
AM
Townley
Amy Jo
AJ
Gombos
Jennifer L
JL
Lewis
Jennifer L
JL
Kist
Frank G
FG
Hockensmith
Mary E
ME
Terwilliger
Michelle L
ML
Amiott
Elizabeth
E
McElfresh
Kevin C
KC
Schumm
James W
JW
Ulery
Suzanna R
SR
Konotop
Felipe
F
Sessa
Tara L
TL
Sailus
Jeffrey S
JS
Crouse
Cecelia A
CA
Tomsey
Christine S
CS
Ban
Jeffrey D
JD
Nelson
Mark S
MS
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D017931:DNA Primers; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011323:Primates; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020080:Tandem Repeat Sequences / Q000235:genetics*
D017931:DNA Primers