The correlation between skeletal weathering and DNA quality and quantity.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis of skeletal material is invaluable in forensic identification, although results can vary widely among remains. Previous studies have included bones of different ages, burial conditions, and even species. In the research presented, a collection of human remains that lacked major confounders such as burial age, interment style, and gross environmental conditions, while displaying a very broad range of skeletal degradation, were examined for both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quality and quantity. Overall skeletal weathering, individual bone weathering, and bone variety were considered. Neither skeletal nor bone weathering influenced DNA quality or quantity, indicating that factors that degrade bone do not have the same effect on DNA. In contrast, bone variety, regardless of weathering level, was a significant element in DNA amplification success. Taken together, the results indicate that neither skeletal nor individual bone appearance are reliable indicators of subsequent mtDNA typing outcomes, while the type of bone assayed is.
Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice, 560 Baker Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Lisa M
LM
Misner
Andrea C
AC
Halvorson
Jennifer L
JL
Dreier
Douglas H
DH
Ubelaker
David R
DR
Foran
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology*; D002048:Burial; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D053836:DNA Degradation, Necrotic; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D017931:DNA Primers; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D017931:DNA Primers; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial