A RAPID AND SIMPLE DNA-FINGERPRINTING METHOD USING RLFP AND SSCP ANALYSIS OF THE HYPERVARIABLE NONCODING REGION OF HUMAN MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA

A simple method for identification of individuals and maternity testin g has been developed. This technique includes PCR amplification of the 199-bp hypervariable portion of the noncoding region of human mtDNA, digestion with RsaI and subsequent SSCP analysis of restriction fragme nts with DNA silver staining. Using this approach we have analysed the DNA fingerprint patterns of the family members. The fingerprints of m aternally related individuals appeared to be identical in three genera tions, while maternally unrelated members of the family showed differe nces in their fingerprints, either in SSCP or both RFLP and SSCP patte rns. Sequencing data have confirmed the results obtained. Further DNA fingerprinting analysis of 19 unrelated mother-child pairs by means of the method described revealed complete identity of the fingerprint pa tterns within the pairs. The probability of a random fingerprint match for two maternally unrelated individuals was estimated as 8%. (C) 199 4 Wiley-Liss, Inc.