AmpFlSTR (R) profiler Plus (TM) and AmpFlSTR (R) COfiler (TM) analysis of tissues stored in GenoFix (TM), a new tissue preservation solution for massdisaster DNA identification

A preliminary study was conducted to assess the capability of a new alcohol -based tissue fixative, GenoFiX (TM), to preserve DNA from biopsy tissues s tored at room temperature and/or -20 degreesC in a freezer, for subsequent short tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing analysis. Fresh human smooth muscle sa mples were stored at room temperature in GenoFix (TM) for one month and up to one year and seven months before being processed using the megaplex STR systems, AmpFlSTR((R)) Profiler Plus (TM) and AmpFlSTR((R)) COfiler (TM). A lternatively, muscle tissues in GenoFix (TM) were placed at -20 degreesC in a freezer for up to 31/2 years following two to three months in the fixati ve at room temperature. DNA analysis was also carried out on tissues stored in GenoFix (TM) for one month at room temperature and subsequently paraffi n-embedded and stored at room temperature for four years. The AmpFlSTR((R)) Profiler Plus (TM) and AmpFlSTR((R)) COfiler (TM) STR profiles produced, u sing DNA extracted from all fixed tissue samples, were of very good quality . The fluorescent signals were well balanced across the nine STR loci or si x loci comprised in the megaplexes surveyed and profiles showed no differen ces with those observed for the control blood of the respective donor patie nts. Continuous exposure to GenoFix (TM) at room temperature (up to one yea r and seven months) did not compromise the STR typing analysis of the fixed tissues. No adverse effects were noted on the STR typeability of tissues f ixed with GenoFix (TM) and stored at -20 degreesC in a freezer for up to 31 /2 years. STR profiles generated from the paraffin-embedded tissues fixed i n GenoFix (TM) were of excellent quality. This preliminary study suggests t hat GenoFix (TM) can be used to store tissue samples at room temperature fo r up to one year and seven months or at -20 degreesC in a freezer for longe r storage (up to 31/2 years). This new and odorless tissue fixative promote s tissue and DNA preservation in a very effective manner and as such may pr ove useful in criminal investigations or mass disaster identifications carr ied out in remote locations and in which a small or large number of tissue samples are collected for further analyses.