Looking for the pinpoint: Optimizing identification, recovery and DNA extraction of micro traces in forensic casework

Dierig, Lisa; Schmidt, Max; Wiegand, Peter

doi:10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102191

Cited by 23 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…However, the authors recommended taking additional samples from an area of interest post 1:1 taping using other techniques such as swabbing. Dierig et al [41] compared DNA yields and profiles of single skin cells recovered from adhesive tape versus processing of 1 × 1 cm areas of adhesive tape after the adhesive tape had been applied to external areas of T-shirts after a period of wearing and where they had been vigorously grappled for 10 sec to mimic a physical assault. They found the approach of sampling 1 × 1 cm areas to be superior in regard to DNA yield, profile completeness and identification of the offender profile.…”

Section: Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies reported the benefits of using direct PCR methods over processes that include a magnetic bead extraction step for the generation of DNA profiles from touched objects, including Kanokwongnuwut et al [94]. Dierig et al [41], comparing different DNA extraction methods, found that direct lysis methods (a Chelex solution method, Casework Direct Kit (Promega, Mannheim, Germany), Investigator Casework GO! Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany)) were more suitable than a magnetic bead-based method (Maxwell RSC Blood DNA Kit (Promega)) for low template traces due to the limited loss of DNA.…”

Section: Extractionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges

Oorschot

Meakin

Kokshoorn

et al. 2021

Genes

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Understanding the factors that may impact the transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery of DNA (DNA-TPPR), and the availability of data to assign probabilities to DNA quantities and profile types being obtained given particular scenarios and circumstances, is paramount when performing, and giving guidance on, evaluations of DNA findings given activity level propositions (activity level evaluations). In late 2018 and early 2019, three major reviews were published on aspects of DNA-TPPR, with each advocating the need for further research and other actions to support the conduct of DNA-related activity level evaluations. Here, we look at how challenges are being met, primarily by providing a synopsis of DNA-TPPR-related articles published since the conduct of these reviews and briefly exploring some of the actions taken by industry stakeholders towards addressing identified gaps. Much has been carried out in recent years, and efforts continue, to meet the challenges to continually improve the capacity of forensic experts to provide the guidance sought by the judiciary with respect to the transfer of DNA.

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Section: Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Extractionmentioning

confidence: 99%

DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges

Oorschot

Meakin

Kokshoorn

et al. 2021

Genes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…While DNA profiles have been acquired from contact between individuals or objects for over two decades, identification of trace DNA evidence has greatly improved with STR PCR DNA profiling [4,5]. This technology allows analysis of minute quantities of DNA and successful results are now obtained from even minimal contact [6,7]. Below we describe the use of STR PCR DNA profiling in two technique development scenarios.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human DNA collection from police dogs: technique and application

Brower

Akridge²,

Siemens-Bradley

2021

Forensic Sci Med Pathol

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Police dogs are routinely deployed during criminal investigations under a variety of circumstances. In instances where police dogs are involved in apprehension of suspects, contact with a suspect may be observed or may occur out of the line of sight. The interactions between suspect and dog may include the dog biting the suspect, or the suspect touching or exuding bodily fluids onto the dog. In either form of contact, potentially valuable DNA may be left from the suspect on the dog. This paper describes a proof-of-concept study investigating collection of human DNA from the teeth and hair of dogs. It used controlled settings, where the human DNA sources were touch and saliva, and field cases, where the human DNA sources were unknown. The results of sample analysis to identify DNA short tandem repeats (STRs) from each of these scenarios are provided. They highlight the potential and importance of collecting trace DNA from police dogs who may have had contact with suspects during attempted apprehension.

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“…It has been proposed that a combination of nucleated cells (secreted through pores), anucleate corneocytes (from the outermost skin layers), and possibly fragmented cell debris comprise touch deposits [12][13][14]. DNA profiles from bioparticles or skin flakes from clothing or tape-lifts have been demonstrated, although the aim is to simplify DNA mixtures rather than characterize cell content [4,[15][16][17][18]. The vast majority of cells from touched objects appear microscopically to be corneocytes with few nucleated epithelia or free nuclei [19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accumulation of endogenous and exogenous nucleic acids in “Touch DNA” components on hands

et al. 2021

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Successful forensic DNA profiling from handled items is increasingly routine in casework. This "touch DNA" is thought to contain both cellular and acellular nucleic acid sources. However, there is little clarity on the origins or characteristics of this material. The cellular component consists of anucleate, terminally differentiated corneocytes (assumed to lack DNA), and the occasional nucleated cell. The acellular DNA source is fragmentary, presumably cell breakdown products. This study examines the relative contributions each component makes to the hand-secretions (endogenous) and hand-accumulations (exogenous) by recovering rinses from the inside and outside of worn gloves. Additionally, cellular and acellular DNA was measured at timepoints up to 2 h after hand washing, both with and without interim contact. Microscopic examination confirmed cell morphology and presence of nucleic acids. Following the novel application of a hair keratinocyte lysis method and plasma-DNA fragment purification to hand rinse samples, DNA profiles were generated from both fractions. Exogenous cell-free DNA is shown to be a significant source of touch DNA, which reaccumulates quickly, although its amplifiable nuclear alleles are limited. Endogenous DNA is mostly cellular in origin and provides more allelic information consistently over time.

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Looking for the pinpoint: Optimizing identification, recovery and DNA extraction of micro traces in forensic casework

Cited by 23 publications

References 56 publications

DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges

DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges

Human DNA collection from police dogs: technique and application

Accumulation of endogenous and exogenous nucleic acids in “Touch DNA” components on hands

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