Forensic implications of genetic analyses from degraded DNA--a review

Reza Alaeddini; Simon J Walsh; Ali Abbas

doi:10.1016/j.fsigen.2009.09.007

Forensic implications of genetic analyses from degraded DNA--a review

Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2010 Apr;4(3):148-57. doi: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2009.09.007. Epub 2009 Oct 2.

Authors

Reza Alaeddini¹, Simon J Walsh, Ali Abbas

Affiliation

¹ School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

PMID: 20215026
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2009.09.007

Abstract

Forensic DNA identification techniques are principally based on determination of the size or sequence of desired PCR products. The fragmentation of DNA templates or the structural modifications that can occur during the decomposition process can impact the outcomes of the analytical procedures. This study reviews the pathways involved in cell death and DNA decomposition and the subsequent difficulties these present in DNA analysis of degraded samples.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cell Death
DNA / metabolism
DNA Damage
DNA Degradation, Necrotic*
DNA Fingerprinting*
DNA Fragmentation
Humans
Oxidative Stress
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Postmortem Changes

Substances

DNA