Forensic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis conducted using next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as massively parallel sequencing (MPS), as compared to Sanger-type sequencing brings modern advantages, such as deep coverage per base (herein referred to as read depth per base pair (bp)), simultaneous sequencing of multiple samples (libraries) and increased operational efficiencies. This report describes the design and developmental validation, according to forensic quality assurance standards, of end-to-end workflows for two multiplexes, comprised of ForenSeq mtDNA control region and mtDNA whole-genome kits the MiSeq FGx instrument and ForenSeq universal analysis software (UAS) 2.0/2.1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enrichment and a tiled amplicon approach target small, overlapping amplicons (60-150 bp and 60-209 bp for the control region and mtGenome, respectively). The system provides convenient access to data files that can be used outside of the UAS if desired. Studies assessed a range of environmental and situational variables, including but not limited to buccal samples, rootless hairs, dental and skeletal remains, concordance of control region typing between the two multiplexes and as compared to orthogonal data, assorted sensitivity studies, two-person DNA mixtures and PCR-based performance testing. Limitations of the system and implementation considerations are discussed. Data indicated that the two mtDNA multiplexes, MiSeq FGx and ForenSeq software, meet or exceed forensic DNA quality assurance (QA) guidelines with robust, reproducible performance on samples of various quantities and qualities.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8073089PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes12040599DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

control region
16
region mtgenome
8
quality assurance
8
miseq fgx
8
sequencing
5
human mitochondrial
4
control
4
mitochondrial control
4
region
4
mtgenome design
4

Similar Publications

The interaction of bacteria and harmonine in harlequin ladybird confers an interspecies competitive edge.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

January 2025

Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Biology and Ecological Regulation of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.

The harlequin ladybird, , is a predatory beetle used globally to control pests such as aphids and scale insects. Originating from East Asia, this species has become highly invasive since its introduction in the late 19th century to Europe and North America, posing a threat to local biodiversity. Intraguild predation is hypothesized to drive the success of this invasive species, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Genesis and regulation of C-terminal cyclic imides from protein damage.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

January 2025

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.

C-Terminal cyclic imides are posttranslational modifications that can arise from spontaneous intramolecular cleavage of asparagine or glutamine residues resulting in a form of irreversible protein damage. These protein damage events are recognized and removed by the E3 ligase substrate adapter cereblon (CRBN), indicating that these aging-related modifications may require cellular quality control mechanisms to prevent deleterious effects. However, the factors that determine protein or peptide susceptibility to C-terminal cyclic imide formation or their effect on protein stability have not been explored in detail.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Collaborative management partnerships (CMPs) between state wildlife authorities and nonprofit conservation organizations to manage protected areas (PAs) have been used increasingly across Sub-Saharan Africa since the 2000s. They aim to attract funding, build capacity, and increase the environmental effectiveness of PAs. Our study documents the rise of CMPs, examines their current extent, and measures their effectiveness in protecting habitats.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The homo-dodecameric ring-shaped RNA binding attenuation protein (TRAP) from binds up to twelve tryptophan ligands (Trp) and becomes activated to bind a specific sequence in the 5' leader region of the operon mRNA, thereby downregulating biosynthesis of Trp. Thermodynamic measurements of Trp binding have revealed a range of cooperative behavior for different TRAP variants, even if the averaged apparent affinities for Trp have been found to be similar. Proximity between the ligand binding sites, and the ligand-coupled disorder-to-order transition has implicated nearest-neighbor interactions in cooperativity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Palmitoylation-dependent association with Annexin II directs hepatitis E virus ORF3 sorting into vesicles and quasi-enveloped virions.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

January 2025

Division of Livestock Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China.

Historically considered to be nonenveloped, hepatitis E virus (HEV), an important zoonotic pathogen, has recently been discovered to egress from infected cells as quasi-enveloped virions. These quasi-enveloped virions circulating in the blood are resistant to neutralizing antibodies, thereby facilitating the stealthy spread of infection. Despite abundant evidence of the essential role of the HEV-encoded ORF3 protein in quasi-enveloped virus formation, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!