Long Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Analysis

Published

November 1, 1999

Author(s)

Kristy L. Richie, M D. Goldsborough, M M. Darfler, E A. Benzinger, M L. Lovekamp, D J. Reeder, C D. O'Connell

Abstract

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has revolutionized the analysis of DNA from a variety of sources. With its sensitivity and ability to amplify degraded DNAs and small quantities of samples, coupled with fast turn-around-time, PCR is often the analytical method of choice for DNA profiling in forensic laboratories. RFLP methods, while requiring larger amounts of high molecular weight DNA and needing approximately 6 to 8 weeks of analytical time, still provide a higher power of discrimination per locus than that achieved using the loci currently available for PCR. The combination of both RFLP and PCR would be advantageous for some applications. A new technique, Long PCR, allows for the effective amplification of long DNA targets from approximately 0.5 kb to > 20 kb of genomic DNA. Currently, several Long PCR systems are commercially available. Using a Taq/Pyrococcus DNA polymerase enzyme system and DNA isolated from bloodstains, we have successfully amplified 1-20 ng of Chelex-extracted DNA, and amount commonly used in Amp-FLP technology. The robustness of Long PCR in comparison to RFLP was also examined through the use of partially degraded blood samples. Long PCR was then used to amplify both D2S44 and D5S110 RFLP loci. Although all D2 and D5 alleles were detected, the larger alleles were amplified at significantly lower levels than the smaller alleles.

Proceedings Title

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume

44

Issue

6

Conference Dates

February 19-24, 1996

Conference Title

48th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

forensic identification, long PCR, RFLP, STR

Citation

Richie, K. , Goldsborough, M. , Darfler, M. , Benzinger, E. , Lovekamp, M. , Reeder, D. and O'Connell, C. (1999), Long Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Analysis, Journal of Forensic Sciences, -1 (Accessed January 19, 2025)