Human identification from forensic materials by amplification of a human-specific sequence in the myoglobin gene

We developed a method for human identification of forensic biological mater ials by PCR-based detection of a human-specific sequence in exon 3 of the m yoglobin gene. This human-specific DNA sequence was deduced from difference s in the amino acid sequences of myoglobins between humans and other animal species. The new method enabled amplification of the target DNA fragment f rom 30 samples of human DNA, and the amplified sequences were identical wit h that already reported. Using this method, we were able to distinguish hum an samples from those of 21 kinds of animals: the crab-eating monkey, horse , cow, sheep, goat, pig, wild boar, dog, raccoon dog, cat, rabbit, guinea p ig, hamster, rat, mouse, whale, chicken, pigeon, turtle, frog, and tuna. Ho wever, we were unable to distinguish between human and gorilla samples. Thi s method enabled us to detect the target sequence from 25 pg of human DNA, and the target DNA fragment from blood stored at 37 degreesC for 6 months, and from bloodstains heated at 150 degreesC for 4 h or stored at room tempe rature for 26 years. Herein we also report a practical application of the m ethod for human identification of a bone fragment.