Isolation and quantification of DNA from epithelial cells obtained from acrylic removable partial denture for sex identification

Abstract

Abstract Background This study is aimed to evaluate the use of epithelial cells adhering the acrylic removable partial denture in establishing the sex of the individual using sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY) gene. With a hypothesis that prosthetic appliance can also be used as a source of DNA in forensics for sex determination. A sample of 30 partial dentures from different denture wearers was selected for this study. Informed consent was taken from the subjects and institutional ethical clearance was obtained for this study. Samples were then washed in saline and scrapings from 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 of the tissue contacting surface were taken using a blade of fixed thickness. DNA extraction was done from these isolated epithelial cells using Real Genomics YGB 100 (Real Biotech Corporation, Taiwan). Quantification and purity assessment of the extracted DNA was done using a Nanodrop ND-1000 spectrophotometer and clean DNA was subjected to real-time PCR amplification using SRY sex-typing marker for the detection of the presence of the SRY gene. Results Isolation of epithelial cells and extraction of DNA from all 30 acrylic removable partial dentures were possible. Average DNA yield quantified from all samples was 32.37 ng/μl with a minimum yield of 2.17 ng/μl and a maximum yield of 117.57 ng/μl. On amplification of the target sequence, sex determination was possible from all samples with 100% accuracy. Conclusion Acrylic removable partial denture can also be used as a source of DNA in forensics for sex identification.

Keywords

• Sex determination
• DNA extraction
• SRY gene
• Real-time PCR