NCJ Number
234621
Journal
Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 242-246
Date Published
June 2011
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined two cases where deletions on the short arm of the Y chromosome led to errors in sex typing causing serious for the individuals involved in the cases.
Abstract
Results from this study indicate that in cases where potential amelogenin Y gene (AMELY) drop out has occurred, additional sex specific Y chromosome markers or human DNA quantification methods should be used to allow for accurate sex identification of the individuals. The human amelogenin gene is a single-copy gene located on both the X and the Y chromosome. Previous research of this gene has shown that amplification of the gene can lead to deletions, translocations, or mutations in the amelogenin primer binding site. Failure to amplify the Y allele can lead to sex typing errors which can have serious consequences in forensic casework and prenatal diagnoses. This study examined two cases where AMELY drop out had occurred leading to gender misidentification. These findings suggest that in cases where potential AMELY drop out has occurred, additional specific Y chromosome markers or human DNA quantification methods that specifically target male genomic markers should be used to ensure accurate sex identification. Figures, tables, and references