Nuclei DNA Damage Due to Extreme High-Temperature Exposure during Forensic Identification Examination

Abstract

Accurate personal identification is important in investigations because an error in the identification process may bring fatal consequences during trial. The most common identification process is the Deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] analysis. Degraded DNA sample due to extremely high-temperature exposure may limit DNA analysis. This study aimed to analyze DNA damage patterns caused by an extremely high temperature using short tandem repeat (STR) CODIS marker. This study was conducted at the Forensic and Medicolegal Department, Laboratorium Balai Besar Kesehatan Surabaya, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Human Genetic Study Group of Universitas Airlangga, and Faculty of Science and Technology of Universitas Brawijaya Malang from July until October 2009. Results of PCR visualization using STR CODIS for costae demonstrated that the THO1 detection (+) in 1,250°C40’: 25% and the TPOX detection (+) in 1,000°C - 30’: 50% whereas the results from molar teeth showed that the THOI locus detection (+) in 1,250°C-30’: 25% and TPOX in 1,000°C-40’: 50%. Results for PCR visualization using mini-STR CODIS for the costae presented that the mini-THOI in 1,250°C-20’: 50% (+) while for the molar tooth the mini-THOI in 1,250°C-30’: 25% (+) and mini-TPOX in 1,000°C-40’: 50% (+). All loci were detected on costae and second molar teeth samples of the control group. Thus, extreme high-temperature exposure significantly decreased the DNA level of second costae and second molar tooth. Sequence patterns of STR loci successfully detected were TPOX, THO1, and CSF1PO