Identification of the Remains of an Adult Using DNA from Their Deciduous Teeth as a Reference Sample

Abstract

In many forensic cases, the identification of human remains is performed by comparing their genetic profile with profiles from reference samples of relatives, usually the parents. Here, we report, for the first time, the identification of the remains of an adult using DNA from the person’s deciduous teeth as a reference sample. Fragments of a skeletonized and burned body were found, and a short tandem repeat (STR) profile was obtained. A woman looking for her missing son went to the authorities. When the DNA profile of the woman was compared to a database, a positive match suggested a first-degree kinship with the person to whom the remains belonged. The woman had kept three deciduous molars from her son for more than thirty years. DNA typing of dental pulp was performed. The genetic profiles obtained from the molars and those from the remains coincided in all alleles. The random match probability was 1 in 2.70 × 1021. Thus, the remains were fully identified. In the routine identification of human remains, ambiguous STR results may occur due to the presence of null alleles or other mutational events. In addition, erroneous results can be produced by false matches with close family members or even with people who are completely unrelated to the victim, such that, in some cases, a probability of paternity greater than 99.99% does not necessarily indicate biological paternity. Whenever possible, it is preferable to use reference samples from the putative victim as a source of DNA for identification.

Dentistry: A Multidisciplinary Approach

“…The study underlines the importance of dental professionals in the early diagnosis and management of Gaucher disease, emphasizing the role of dental radiographs in detecting jawbone involvement, a common feature in Gaucher patients [ 27 ]. The article “Identification of the Remains of an Adult Using DNA from Their Deciduous Teeth as a Reference Sample” by María-de-Lourdes Chávez-Briones et al [ 28 ] presents a unique forensic case. It details the identification of an adult’s remains using DNA from their deciduous teeth, kept by the mother.…”

“…It details the identification of an adult’s remains using DNA from their deciduous teeth, kept by the mother. This innovative approach proved crucial in this case, emphasizing the potential of using personal artifacts or saved biological samples as reference DNA in forensic investigations, especially in scenarios where conventional methods are insufficient [ 28 ]. The article “The Effect of Dentine Desensitizing Agents on the Retention of Cemented Fixed Dental Prostheses: A Systematic Review” by Mohammed E. Sayed [ 29 ] examines the impact of dentine desensitizing agents on the retention of cemented fixed dental prostheses.…”