Reliable and Robust Molecular Sexing of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Using PCR-RFLP Analysis of the CHD 1 Gene

• NCJ Number: 246067
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2013 Pages: 491-494
• Author(s): Anique Henderson, M.Sc.; Christine Michelle Lee, M.Sc.; Vanisha Mistry, M.Sc.; Martin Derek Thomas, B.Sc.; Arati Iyengar, Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study reports a new set of PCR primers for the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding protein 1 gene, which allows sexing using PCR-RFLP.

Abstract

The hen harrier Circus cyaneus is a bird of prey that is persecuted in the United Kingdom, and there is a need for a DNA-based individual identification and sexing system for the use in forensic investigations. This study reports a new set of PCR primers for the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding protein 1 gene, which allows sexing using PCR-RFLP. Instead of exonic primers that amplify across a large intron, this set consists of a primer within the intron, enabling reduction in amplicon sizes from 356 to 212 bp and 565 to 219 bp in W and Z chromosomes. DNA degradation and dilution experiments demonstrate that this set is significantly more robust than one that amplifies across the intron, and sequencing of the intronic primer-binding region across several individuals shows that it is highly conserved. While this objective is to incorporate this primer set into an STR-based individualization kit, it may in the meantime prove useful in forensic or conservation studies. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.