Microsatellite DNA Typing for Personal Identification from the Roots of a Single Tooth
The objective of this study was to test the possibility of using DNA isolated from the roots of a single tooth for the analyses of 3 DNA microsatellite loci, including HUMVWA, HUMD19S253, and HUMPENTA E, and gender determination from amelogenin locus in comparison with the results typed from blood DNA. Third molars and blood were collected from 15 volunteers, and the tooth samples were divided into 3 groups according to different conditions. Group 1, the teeth were left air-dried for 40 days (n = 5), Group 2, the teeth were buried under the ground for 40 days (n = 5), and Group 3, the teeth were immersed in the sea water for 40 days (n = 5). Subsequently, the teeth were cut to separate the crowns from the roots. Only the roots were subject to further DNA extraction and DNA amplification was done by polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the roots from all three groups could be used in gender verification without any DNA contamination between samples. Moreover, DNA isolated from the roots in Groups 2 and 3 showed the identical DNA patterns of HUMVWA and HUMD19S253 loci to those extracted from blood. In conclusion, the roots of a single human tooth can be used as a source of DNA for microsatellite analyses as well as DNA isolated from blood or other tissues. Therefore, it is possible to apply this knowledge for future works in the areas of forensic science and forensic odontology.
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