Missing persons genetic identification
Abstract
The paper presents identification of missing persons from poorly preserved post-mortem remains using molecular genetic methods. Highly polymorphic and individually specifical genetic markers that allow for identification of missing persons are microsatellites on autosomal chromosomes and on Y- chromosome, and mitochondrial DNA control region. For genetic profiling comparison biological material from post-mortem remains and reference samples have to be collected. When post-mortem remains are found shortly after presumed death of a missing person, his or her personal items are used for comparison. If these are not available, reference saliva samples can be collected from the missing person’s relatives. Tissues stored in health institutions can be used if the person had had a diagnostic biopsy earlier in life. When reference samples are not available, genetic identification is not possible. The type of the biological material sampled from the deceased depends on the condition of human remains. Blood, soft tissues, nails, teeth or bones are most commonly used for genetic identification; the time required for DNA extraction depends on the type of the biological material available. Extracting DNA from teeth and bones is the most demanding and time-consuming method; it is used in cases when only skeletal remains are available, or when we cannot get sufficient amount of DNA from other tissues for genetic identification. When the genetic profiles of post-mortem remains and reference samples of the missing person match, the strength of genetic evidence has to be statistically evaluated and the probability of identification has to be reported.
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References
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