SPERM CELL SELECTION SYSTEM FOR FORENSIC DNA OF THE MALE COMPONENT

Project summary for 2000-IJ-CX-K013 THe objective of this research project is to develop a sperm cell selection device suitable for forensic DNA analysis of the "male component" in sexual assault evidence. The device and its companion mehthodologies will be compatible with high throughput automation employing PCR of short tandem repeat loci. The device will provide an enabling technology to assist the development of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Monoclonal antibodies and recombinant mini-antibodies will produced against a unique human sperm surface carbohydrates epitope,sperm agglutination antigen-1(SAGA-1).This antigen is synthesized in the principal cells of the epididymis, is specific to the male reproductive trac of humans and higher primates and is inserted by way of a GPI anchor into all domains of the human sperm surface: Head,midpiece and tail. This antigen thus offers an excellent target for developing methods for separating sperm cells from other biological materials. Immuno-reagents to SAGA-1 will be coupled to magnetic beads and magnetite particles.Methodologies employing these prototype devices, including single sperm PCR, will be developed and standardized to yield differential separation of male germ cell DNA from DNA of other cell types.