Improved Tools and Interpretation Guidelines for Examining Limited Low Copy Number DNA Obtained from Degraded Single Source Samples: Bones, Teeth, and Hairs

The goal of this study is to better define low copy number (LCN) DNA typing by conducting nine different areas of research. Each area would assess a specific aspect as it relates to the analysis of LCN DNA from single source samples: 1) improve extraction efficiency of DNA from skeletal remains, 2) evaluate the performance of the predominant methods for increasing sensitivity of detection for LCN typing, 3) enhance robustness of the amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for LCN samples, 4) increase the amount of the starting template molecules by whole genome amplification using emulsion PCR, 5) increase the amount of starting template molecules by template circularization and rolling circle amplification, 6) test the efficacy of typing the same template multiple times, 7) test the efficiency of mini-STR DNA analysis for typing LCN samples and develop proper stochastic thresholds, 8) develop positive controls or validation samples for LCN typing, and 9) develop reliable interpretation guidelines and statistical protocols for evaluating the significance of single source LCN profiles. ca/ncf