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What is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?

What is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?. Maternally inherited Every individual in the same maternal lineage should have the same mtDNA sequence More sensitive than nuclear DNA Each cell contains 1000’s of copies of mtDNA vs. 1 copy of nuclear DNA mtDNA is analyzed by sequencing

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What is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?

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  1. What is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)? • Maternally inherited • Every individual in the same maternal lineage should have the same mtDNA sequence • More sensitive than nuclear DNA • Each cell contains 1000’s of copies of mtDNA vs. 1 copy of nuclear DNA • mtDNA is analyzed by sequencing • Hypervariable I (HV1) and Hypervariable II (HV2) regions - look for actual A,G,T,C sequence

  2. When to use mtDNA testing • Hair samples with no or insufficient roots • Cases where nuclear DNA analysis does not result in sufficient information for a conclusion • Identity situations where there the only reference available is a maternal relative • **mtDNA is not good in cases of mixtures

  3. mtDNA Report

  4. Why would a Public Defender pursue DNA testing? • Results don’t have to be incriminating They can also corroborate a story • Questions about “no results” from evidence that you think should yield a result • Questions about mixtures

  5. Re-test Results of first test inconsistent with what is expected No results were obtained Mixture Lab can’t include or exclude your client Review No results (no chart) listed in report-only conclusions Mixture- Is your client really included? If you are confused by the results When to seek a DNA test vs. DNA review Listen to your client

  6. What to ask for Re: Discovery • Copy of complete case file (Including all raw data) • Serology • DNA • Copy of Protocols • Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) • Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) • Database information (Frequency tables) At a Minimum

  7. What to ask for Re: Discovery • Quality control records • Kits used • Critical Reagents • Records of Proficiency Tests (each analyst) • Copies of Audit documents • Validation Information • Accreditation Information Additional Items

  8. What to look for in an expert • Aspects to consider when picking an expert and/or laboratory • Price • Turn-around time • Accredited laboratory • Experts who provide service both Defense and those other guys (more credibility)

  9. Thank You Meghan E. Clement LabCorp Forensic Identity Department Clemenm@LabCorp.com

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