Mitochondrial DNA: A Reliable Tool in Forensic Odontology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/Keywords:
Odontology, Criminal cases, DNA analysis, mt DNA, nDNAAbstract
Forensic odontology has emerged as one of the prime tool in Forensic investigations. Tooth being resistant to degrading environmental conditions, is a potential source in solving various criminal cases. Over the last few decades, DNA analysis has revolutionized the Forensic field. There have been several technical modifications and advancements in the DNA analysis. One such advance in the recent past is the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondrial genome exhibit several unique characteristics such as multiple genome copies, heteroplasmy, variable expressivity, mitotic segregation and the threshold effect. These properties affect its inheritance pattern and even the Forensic analysis. MtDNA differs from nDNA in many ways, including its location, its sequence, its quantity and its mode of inheritance with this technique; it is possible to analyze the DNA even in very small, damaged and degraded samples from where it is unable to analyze the nuclear DNA (nDNA). This article reviews the characteristics of mtDNA and its role in Forensic investigations.
Downloads
References
Cooper GM, Hausman RE. The Cell- A molecular approach. 4th ed. US: Sinauer Associates Inc; 2006.
Jobling MA, Gill P. Encoded evidence: DNA in forensic analysis. Nature reviews 2004; 5: 739-51.
Isenberg AR, Moore JM. Mitochondrial DNA analysis at the FBI laboratory. Forensic Science Communications 1999; 1: 1-10.
Pillay VV, Menezes RG, Krishnaprasad R, Pillay M, Lobo SW, Adhikari D et al. Biotechnology in forensic science: The revolution continues. Nepal Medical College Journal 2007; 9: 1-7.
Kinra SLP. The use of mitochondrial DNA and short tandem repeat typing in the identification of air crash victims. Ind J Aerospace Med 2006; 50: 54-65.
Watts G, Braude P, Flinter F, Harding S, Lewens T, Parker M. Mitochondrial disorders and current treatment options. In Novel techniques for the prevention of mitochondrial DNA disorders: An ethical review. The Nuffield council of bioethics. Pg. 18-24.
Liang C, Sue C. Mitochondrial diseases; In How to treat. Australian doctor 2011; 25: 27-34.
Paepe BD. Mitochondrial markers for cancer: relevance to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis and general understanding of malignant disease mechanisms. ISRN Pathology 2012; Article ID 217162:15 pages. doi:10.5402/2012/217162.
Dimauro S, Davidzon G. Mitochondrial DNA and disease. Annals of Medicine 2005; 37: 222-32.
Witas HW, Zawicki P. Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution: A review. Anthropological Review 2004; 67: 97-110.
Naviaux RK. The Spectrum of Mitochondrial Disease. A primary care physician’s guide; Pg. 3-10.
Tully G, Morley JM, Bark JE. Forensic Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA: Application of Multiplex Solid-Phase - Fluorescent Minisequencing to High Throughput Analysis. 92-96.
La Berge GS, Shelton RJ, Danielson PB. Forensic Utility of Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Based on Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Croat Med J 2003; 44: 281-8.
Stone AC, Starrs JE, Stoneking, M. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the presumptive remains of Jesse James. J of Forensic Sci. 2001; 46: 173–6.
Department of Forensic Science. Forensic Biology Section: Mitochondrial DNA Unit. DFS Document 212-D100; 2009: 1-100. 16. Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM). Guidelines for Mitochondrial DNA Nucleotide Sequence Interpretation. Forensic Science Communications 2003; 2: 1-5. 17. Budowle B, Planz JV, Campbell RS, Eisenberg AJ. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and microarray technology in forensic genetics - Development and application to mitochondrial DNA. Forensic Sci Rev 2004; 16: 21–36.
Gilbert MT, Janaway RC, Tobin DJ, Cooper A, Wilson AS. Histological correlates of post mortem mitochondrial DNA damage in degraded hair. Forensic Sci. Int. 2006; 156: 201-7.
Graffy EA, Foran DR J. A simplified method for mitochondrial DNA extraction from head hair shafts. Forensic Sci. Int. 2005; 50: 1119- 22.
Melton T, Dimick G, Higgins B, Lindstrom L, Nelson KJ. Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of 691 Casework Hairs. Forensic Sci. Int. 2005; 50: 73-80.
Shiroma CY, Fielding CG, Lewis Jr JA, Gleisnerand MR, Dunn KN. Minimally Destructive Technique for Sampling Dentin Powder for Mitochondrial DNA Testing. J Forensic Sci. 2004; 49: 1-5.
Gill P, Ivanov PL, Kimpton C, Piercy R, Benson N, Tully G, et al. Identification of the remains of the Romanov family by DNA analysis. Nature Genet 1994; 6: 130–5.
Gill P, Kimpton C, Aliston-Greiner R, Sullivan K, Stoneking M, Melton T, et al. Establishing the identity of Anna Anderson Manahan. Nature Genet 1995; 9: 9–10.
