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ABSTRACT: Aim
To apply massively parallel and clonal sequencing (next generation sequencing or NGS) to the analysis of forensic mixed samples.Methods
A duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypervariable regions I/II (HVI/HVII) was developed for NGS analysis on the Roche 454 GS Junior instrument. Eight sets of multiplex identifier-tagged 454 fusion primers were used in a combinatorial approach for amplification and deep sequencing of up to 64 samples in parallel.Results
This assay was shown to be highly sensitive for sequencing limited DNA amounts (~100 mtDNA copies) and analyzing contrived and biological mixtures with low level variants (~1%) as well as "complex" mixtures (≥3 contributors). PCR artifact "hybrid" sequences generated by jumping PCR or template switching were observed at a low level (<2%) in the analysis of mixed samples but could be eliminated by reducing the PCR cycle number.Conclusion
This study demonstrates the power of NGS technologies targeting the mtDNA HVI/HVII regions for analysis of challenging forensic samples, such as mixtures and specimens with limited DNA.
SUBMITTER: Kim H
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4500979 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature