engleski

DNA Identification of Skeletal Remains from the Second World War

Aim: To present obtained results in the identification of human remains from the World War II Methods: The remains of 27 individuals were found in two small and closely located mass graves (Slovenia). The DNA was isolated from bone and teeth samples using either standard phenol/chloroform alcohol extraction or optimized Qiagen DNA extraction procedure. QuantifilerTM was used for DNA quantification. PowerPlex16 and PowerPlexY kits were used to simultaneously amplify 15 authosomal and 12 Y-chromosome linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci. Matching probabilities were estimated using the DNA View program. Results: Out of all processed samples, 15 remains were fully profiled at all 15 authosomal STR loci. The other 12 profiles were partial. Also, 69 referent samples (buccal swabs) from potential living relatives were collected and profiled. Comparison of victims’ profile against referent samples database resulted in 4 strong matches. In addition, 5 other profiles were matched to certain referent samples with lower probability. For two of them (with male relatives), additional analysis of Y-STRs markers were performed in the second phase of the identification project. All lab-procedures were optimized for the 60 years old skeletal remains samples. Conclusion: Our results show that more than 6 decades after the end of the World War II, DNA analysis may significantly contribute to the identification of the remains from that period.

DNA Identification; Skeletal Remains; Second World War

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