DNA typing of human remains found in damp environments

DNA typing is often used to determine identity from human remains. The envi ronment to which the material has been exposed, however, is crucial for the success of the investigation. Damp conditions in particular can cause a ra pid degradation of DNA, even in hone and teeth, and thus reduce the chances of successful typing. Here, we present the results of investigations perfo rmed on four skulls that had been lying in a damp environment for periods r anging from almost 1 year to about 45 years. In none of these cases was DNA typing successful on bone or, where present, on teeth. Where remnants of b rain tissue were used, however, complete STR typing was possible in one cas e, partial STR typing in another, and mtDNA sequencing could he carried out in three cases. These findings suggest that brain tissue is relatively res istant to putrefaction in damp environments and, unlike hone, appears to ex hibit a certain degree of protection against DNA degradation. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.