[Application of multiplex amplification of mitochondrial DNA single nucleotide polymorphism in the detection of complex forensic samples].
OBJECTIVE
To provide a new means for forensic examination of difficult samples including old blood stain, hair (containing hair shafts), decomposed samples and old bone tissues using co-amplification of mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).


METHODS
With Identifiler kit, STR genotyping and 18 mtDNA SNPs (16 SNPs in the coding region and 2 in the control region) detection were carried out using multiple amplification with labeled fluorescence and capillary electrophoresis. The two methods were compared for their performance in forensic caseworks such as old blood stain, cast-off cells, degraded muscles, cartilages, teeth and old bones.


RESULTS
The detection rates of STR and mtDNA SNPs were both beyond 80%, but the latter had a greater success rate. The success rates of mtDNA SNPs were significantly greater than those of STR in the examination of such samples as degraded muscles, cartilages, and old bones.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiplex amplification of mitochondrial DNA SNPs shows a bright prospect in the examination of difficult forensic samples.
He
Qiong
Q
Department of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. heqiong_82@126.com
Liu
Chao
C
Liu
Chang-hui
CH
Wang
Hui-jun
HJ
D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D013048:Specimen Handling
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial