ABSTRACT
Six multiplex PCR systems using single-base extension reactions to analyze 46 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that define 42 haplogroups, that is, 24 major mtDNA haplogroups and 18 subclades, were devised. To improve the usefulness of the established systems for the analysis of degraded DNA samples, novel primers to render amplicons with sizes <150 bp were designed. By applying these systems to 214 Japanese individuals, 24 different haplogroups (power of discrimination = 93.4%) were found. To assess the effectiveness of our systems in grouping degraded DNA, an ancient bone sample of a Jomon skeleton was analyzed and then classified as haplogroup N9b. We conclude that the present systems are powerful screening tools for major haplogroups of mtDNA in addition to the prevalent subhaplogroups in the Japanese population and that these systems are capable of analyzing highly degraded DNA samples in forensic studies.
Subject(s)
DNA Degradation, Necrotic , DNA Fingerprinting/methods , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Haplotypes , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Asian People/genetics , DNA Primers , Electrophoresis , Humans , Japan , Multiplex Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
Allele frequencies and forensic parameters for 30 insertion-deletion polymorphisms (INDELs) were investigated in a sample of 251 unrelated Japanese individuals using the Investigator DIPplex® kit (QIAGEN). The frequency distributions showed no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations. The combined powers of discrimination and match probability for the 30 INDELs were 0.9999999998 and 2.67×10(-11), respectively. To assess the effectiveness of the kit in typing degraded DNA, an ancient bone sample of a Jomon skeleton was analyzed; most of 30 INDELs and amelogenin were typed successfully. We concluded that the kit offers considerable potential for personal identification from degraded DNA samples due to the small amplicon length and high degree of polymorphisms.
Subject(s)
Gene Deletion , Genetics, Population/instrumentation , Polymorphism, Genetic , Female , Humans , Japan , MaleABSTRACT
We designed three mini multiplex PCR systems using single-base extension reactions to identify Japanese Y chromosome haplogroups. We selected a group of 22 Y chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the haplogroups most commonly reported in East Asia. To make the systems more useful in analyzing degraded DNA samples, we designed primers to render amplicons of ≤ 150 bp. Applying these systems, we classified the Japanese population into major haplogroups and confirmed the applicability of these systems in forensic DNA analysis.
Subject(s)
Asian People/genetics , Chromosomes, Human, Y , Forensic Genetics/methods , Genetics, Population , Haplotypes , Humans , Male , Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Polymorphism, Single NucleotideABSTRACT
Psychotropic drugs can pose the risk of acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS). Unexpected autopsy-negative sudden death in patients taking psychotropic drugs may be associated with prolonged QT intervals and life-threatening arrhythmias. We analyzed genes that encode for cardiac ion channels and potentially associated with LQTS, examining specifically the potassium channel genes KCNQ1 and KCNH2 in 10 cases of sudden death involving patients administered psychotropic medication in which autopsy findings identified no clear cause of death. We amplified and sequenced all exons of KCNQ1 and KCNH2, identifying G643S, missense polymorphism in KCNQ1, in 6 of the 10 cases. A study analysis indicated that only 11% of 381 healthy Japanese individuals carry this polymorphism. Reports of previous functional analyses indicate that the G643S polymorphism in the KCNQ1 potassium channel protein causes mild I(Ks) channel dysfunction. Our present study suggests that administering psychotropic drug therapy to individuals carrying the G643S polymorphism may heighten the risk of prolonged QT intervals and life-threatening arrhythmias. Thus, screening for the G643S polymorphism before prescribing psychotropic drugs may help reduce the risk of unexpected sudden death.
