title: Evaluation of saliva as a source of human DNA for population and association studies.
abstract: A simple noninvasive procedure for saliva sample collection and DNA extraction was developed. On average, the amount of human DNA (as measured by a TaqMan-based assay) was about 11.4 microg/mL saliva, which is more than can be obtained from other noninvasive samples such as cheek swabs. However, the presence of large amounts of nonhuman DNA (up to 90% of the total extracted DNA) in saliva samples does necessitate DNA quantitation methods that are specific for human DNA. We were able to reliably and accurately type different genetic markers (mDNA sequences, Y-chromosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and autosomal microsatellite loci) from saliva samples stored for up to 30 days at 37 degrees C, making this method well-suited for field conditions and convenient transportation of samples back to the laboratory. Thus, saliva can be considered a reliable source of DNA for a wide variety of genetic studies.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Quinque
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kittler
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kayser
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stoneking
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nasidze
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004247:DNA