Forensic application of a rapid and quantitative DNA sex test by amplification of the X-Y homologous gene amelogenin.

Abstract

Gender identification of forensic samples was determined by amplifying a segment of the X-Y homologous gene amelogenin. Using a single pair of primers spanning part of the first intron, 106 bp and 112 bp PCR products were generated from the X and Y homologues respectively, which were then resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis. This test enabled as little as 20 pg of DNA from severely degraded bones to be amplified and typed in a single tube reaction. Furthermore, using dye-labelled primers, it was possible to quantitate, by automated fluorescence detection, the relative yields of X and Y-specific PCR products generated from mixtures of male and female DNA. The versatility of this sex test was further demonstrated by co-amplifying with the HLA-DQA1 Amplitype kit in a combined gender/identity DNA test.