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Mini-SNaPshot multiplex assays authenticate elephant ivory and simultaneously identify the species origin.
- Source :
-
Forensic science international. Genetics [Forensic Sci Int Genet] 2017 Mar; Vol. 27, pp. 106-115. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Dec 21. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Illegal trading of ivory is mainly responsible for the dramatic decline in elephant populations. Thailand is one of the largest laundering hotspots for African ivory, as the domestic Asian elephant ivory can be legally traded. So, to help combat ivory poaching and smuggling, an efficient method is needed to identify the elephant species from its ivory and ivory products. In this study, a mini-SNaPshot <superscript>®</superscript> multiplex assay was developed and fully validated for the identification of confiscated ivory and low DNA template ivory products. Elephantid- and elephant species-specific mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from 207 mammalian and 1705 elephant/mammoth cytochrome b sequence alignments. Seven informative SNPs were used for assay development. The assay unambiguously and accurately identified authentic elephant ivory and its species of origin on the basis of peak size and color observed in the haplotype profile. The assay was highly efficient for analysis of confiscated ivory and low-template ivory products with a 99.29% success rate (N=140). It was highly reproducible, exhibited no cross-reaction with eight other mammalian DNA; and had 100% identification accuracy. In addition, nested and direct PCR amplification were also compatible with the developed assay. This efficient assay should benefit wildlife forensic laboratories and aid in the prosecution of elephant-related crimes.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Commerce legislation & jurisprudence
Conservation of Natural Resources legislation & jurisprudence
Crime legislation & jurisprudence
Humans
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Reproducibility of Results
Species Specificity
Cytochromes b genetics
DNA Fingerprinting
DNA, Mitochondrial genetics
Elephants genetics
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1878-0326
- Volume :
- 27
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Forensic science international. Genetics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 28033530
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.12.007