QIAGEN's Investigator 24plex QS and GO! PCR Amplification.

The Investigator 24Plex kits are multiplex PCR kits utilized by forensic laboratories to simultaneously amplify 22 of the most commonly utilized STR markers for human identity testing, including the 20 core CODIS loci, along with the sex marker Amelogenin and 2 novel quality sensors. These quality sensors are unique internal PCR controls that provide useful insight to the analyst regarding possible inhibition or degradation within the sample. This chapter describes the use of the QS version of the kit designed for use with extracted DNA from casework samples, as well as the use of the GO! version of the kit designed for direct amplification of reference samples.

QIAGEN's Investigator Quantiplex Pro Kit.

The QIAGEN Investigator Quantiplex Pro Kit is a real-time quantitative PCR assay utilized by forensic DNA laboratories to determine the amount of amplifiable human and male DNA in a sample prior to downstream amplification of specific STR markers for human identity testing. This quantification method includes two internal controls that assist the analyst in a preliminary evaluation of the sample in regard to both inhibition or degradation that may be present in the sample and subsequently affect the more targeted downstream amplification of specific markers for identity testing. The internal controls are analogous to the quality sensors contained in QIAGEN's Investigator 24plex line of amplification kits, ensuring that the sample's performance in the quantitation step can accurately predict the success of the STR amplification results.

dcDegenerate oligonucleotide primed-PCR for multilocus, genome-wide analysis from limited quantities of DNA.

This study modified the degenerate oligonucleotide primed-polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR)-based whole genome amplification method for improvement of downstream genome-wide analysis of low copy number DNA samples ( View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Specific melanin content in human hairs and mitochondrial DNA typing success.

This study investigated whether a difference exists in the ability to obtain quality mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data from hair shafts due to specific melanin content differences. Eumelanin, the pigment in darker hairs, protects nuclear DNA in the skin by absorbing and scattering UV radiation. In contrast, sensitized pheomelanin, the predominate melanin in red hairs and some blond hairs, is unable to prevent DNA damage in skin upon exposure to UV radiation.