Mitochondrial DNA in forensic analyses
Abstract
This review article presents mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses in forensic genetics. Typing of nuclear DNA in old and poorly preserved biological samples is often unsuccessful and instead of nuclear DNA, mtDNA polymorphisms can be used for human identification. MtDNA is due to multy copy nature and circular conformation less prone to degradation and retain longer time. The most polymorphic control region is regularly used in forensic casework and mtDNA heteroplasmy must be considered in the identification cases and analyses of biological traces. The poorly preserved biological samples are mainly old skeletal remains - bones and teeth, old nails, feces, urine and hair shafts. The latter are micro traces, often found by criminalists at crime scenes. We will describe each type of biological material in more detail. In addition to morphological structure, we will pay special attention to the environmental impacts on the preservation of DNA in each type of biological material, optimization of extraction methods for effective isolation and optimal sampling. Due to low amounts of DNA, these samples are exposed to DNA contamination with persons involved in sampling procedures and genetic testing. To prevent and track potential contamination, different measures are used and they will be described. MtDNA analyses are often used in forensics to solve different cases and some applications of mtDNA in Slovenia and worldwide will be discussed.
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