Factors influencing DNA extraction from human skeletal remains: bone characteristic and total demineralization process

Abstract

Background: The extraction of DNA from skeletal remains with good quality and quantity is often challenging for the ability to generate DNA typing. Previous studies demonstrated the DNA extraction with total demineralization from fresh teeth and bones; however, the application in old skeletal remains has been less performed. To obtain good quality and high yield of DNA amount extracted from skeletal remains, the objective of this study was focused on exploring the factors influencing the total demineralization process to obtain developing effective methods. Results: The concentration of EDTA was found to significantly enhance calcium chelation from the bone while pH of EDTA solution, incubation temperature, incubation time, and volume of EDTA solution were not significant. The optimal condition of total demineralization obtained from Placket-Burmann results represented good-quality DNA and the highest concentration of extracted DNA yield. Subsequently, the STR typing in some bone specimens processed by total demineralization process prior to DNA extraction was improved. Conclusions: EDTA concentration was a key influencing factor on the total demineralization process to chelate calcium from human skeletal remains. The total demineralization process in old bone specimens probably improved the STR profiles.