Further validation of a multiplex STR system for use in routine forensic identity testing.

A polymerase chain reaction- (PCR) based short tandem repeat (STR) system has recently been developed for use in routine forensic identity testing. The methodology involves the simultaneous amplification of alleles at four loci on different chromosomes, followed by the fluorescent detection of products using an automated DNA sequencer. The adoption of this technology into operational casework offers several advantages over systems currently in use, particularly the ability to obtain results from very old or small samples, reduced operator time when compared with conventional DNA (single locus probe) analysis and the potential for automation. Validation studies were incorporated into the development work on this system. The scope of these studies has been extended by further investigation carried out in this laboratory to test the reliability of the system under normal operational procedures. It was demonstrated that the precision of size determination was sufficient for the discrimination of alleles and size windows for allelic designation were established. A collaborative exercise carried out in conjunction with two independent laboratories demonstrated the robustness of allelic designation. Having tested both the DNA quantification and amplification techniques against DNA samples from a wide range of animal and microbial species, it was confirmed that results are only obtained from higher primate DNA. The PCR methodology was tested with both simulated and real casework samples (over 250 in total). Reportable results were obtained from most items yielding extracted DNA. Approximately 20% of the casework items from which no grouping (ABO, PGM) nor SLP results were obtained, gave reportable STR results. A method for the routine purification of DNA extracts which failed to amplify was established and validated for use in forensic casework. The STR multiplex system developed by Kimpton et al. proved robust and reliable when tested under the operational procedures in place in this laboratory.

Sequence analysis and allelic designation of the two short tandem repeat loci D18S51 and D8S1179.

This paper reports the sequences of eleven D8S1179 and twenty one D18S51 alleles. The D8S1179 alleles ranged in size from 162 bp to 202 bp and increased in size by regular 4 bp increments. They were shown to possess a compound repeat region composed of the tetranucleotides TCTA and TCTG. Alleles at the D18S51 locus ranged in size from 271 bp to 343 bp and possessed a simple repeat region composed of the tetranucleotide AGAA. The majority of alleles increased in size by 4 bp increments corresponding to the addition of one tetranucleotide repeat unit. However, three alleles differed in size by 2 bp from the 4 bp increment as a result of a dinucleotide insertion within the 3' flanking region. These alleles also exhibited an altered 3' flanking sequence in the first four nucleotides following the repeat region. The allelic designations proposed for these loci on the basis of this sequence data are currently being used in a multiplex PCR profiling system employed in a National DNA database in the United Kingdom.

Structural variation in the alleles of a short tandem repeat system at the human alpha fibrinogen locus.

This paper reports the sequences of 22 alleles identified at the HumFGA (human alpha fibrinogen) short tandem repeat locus in the British Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean populations. Alleles at the lower end of the observed size range were found to increase in size by 4-bp increments with the repeat unit following the pattern TC(TCTT)n. However, 5 alleles were identified that differed in size by 2 bp from the 4 bp increment as a result of the deletion of a TC dinucleotide, or the addition of a TT dinucleotide, immediately prior to the 1st repeat unit. Alleles at the upper end of the observed size range were found to have a more complex repeat unit structure and also exhibited duplication of both 5' and 3' flanking sequences. A nomenclature for the designation of HumFGA alleles is proposed on the basis of this sequence data.

Structural variation of novel alleles at the Hum vWA and Hum FES/FPS short tandem repeat loci.

This paper reports the sequences of novel alleles identified during population databasing studies on the short tandem repeat loci HumvWA and HumFES/FPS. Two HumFES/FPS alleles follow the simple repeat pattern (ATTT)7 and (ATTT)15. Sequence variation corresponding to an A to C transversion occurred in the 5' flanking region in two individuals possessing the designated allele 7. Two HumvWA alleles exhibited compound repeat regions comprising TCTA and TCTG repeat units. Sequence analysis confirmed the putative designation of 11 for a 127 base pair allele. However, a 131 base pair allele, putatively designated as 12, exhibited a more complex sequence. Two different types of repeat unit structures were identified which also exhibited sequence variation in the 3' flanking region.

Variation of short tandem repeats within and between populations.

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the frequency distributions of three short tandem repeats (STR) were investigated in five populations: North European, Cypriot, Pakistani, Gujarati and Vietnamese. Each STR is situated within an intron; the markers are in the genes for human coagulation factor XIII (4bp repeat), lipoprotein lipase (4bp repeat) and CD4 (5bp repeat). Population data were generated for each STR and allele frequencies calculated. A calculation of the level of population substructuring for the three systems was also made. The lipoprotein lipase STR data showed no evidence for population substructuring, but there was a significant level of substructuring in the other two systems. This initial pilot study demonstrates the need to validate each marker used for DNA profiling in different human populations, and that some markers (such as LPL) can be used with confidence in widely differing ethnic groups, while others (such as CD4 and F13A) may be of value in distinguishing sub-groups.

The detection of fingerprints and other marks in body fluids by the use of agar gels.

Techniques are described whereby weak fingerprints in blood, semen and saliva on a variety of materials may be rapidly enhanced and photographed. The methods involve the use of flexible agar gels containing histochemical reagents for the development of prints made in these body fluids. The gels may be used on a variety of vertical, horizontal and irregular surfaces and in some cases could replace sprays and "fingerprint paints".

The evidential value of peptidase A as a semen typing system.

Human erythrocyte peptidase A (Pep A) displays a genetic polymorphism in blacks. Its occurrence in human semen was examined for its possible use as a semen typing system. Studies by starch gel electrophoresis, in which the Pep A was located by an improved method, were carried out on semen, semen stains, and vaginal swabs taken at known times after intercourse. In addition, a large number of vaginal swabs, negative for semen, were taken from females throughout their menstrual cycles and examined for Pep A activity. The results indicated that Pep A typing could be carried out on semen and semen stains. However, it was possible to determine the Pep A type on vaginal swabs only when they had been taken within about 3 h after intercourse.

The determination of glyoxalase I phenotypes in human bloodstains.

A method is described for the determination of glyoxalase I phenotypes in liquid blood and dry bloodstains. The frequencies of glyoxalase I phenotypes in various populations of S.E. England are included.