0000000000535056
AUTHOR
M. Prager-eberle
HLA DQα Typing of Human Fingernails
In contrast to the extensive knowledge about protein biochemistry of keratinization, little is known about the fate of nuleic acids during these processes (1). It has been suggested that both DNA and RNA completely degenerate in the initial phase of keratinization. However, from electron microscopical studies it is known that nuclear remnants are present (1,3). From these findings and own observations one might expect that nucleic acids should still be available.
Sex Determination by Genomic Dot Blot Hybridization and HLA DQα Typing by PCR from Fixed Tissues
Recent advances in molecular biology methods have significantly increased the ability to detect genetic variation at the genomic level for forensic purposes. However, the quality requirements for blood, fresh or frozen tissue as a source of DNA are a practical limitation for typing the victim in order to conduct investigations on unsolved cases. Since paraffin embedded specimens are easily obtainable the ability to study this material would be of great value in current forensic practice.