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Looking for Information on DNA damage
A forensic dentist contacted me looking for information about the dose
levels required to sufficiently damage DNA so that a DNA sequence marker(DNA
fingerprint)test would not work (give meaningful results).
The dentist has approximately 80 sets of remains from the 1950's (Korean War
era remains) that could possibly be identified by performing DNA marker
tests on the mitochondria in the cells and then matching the marker test
results with results from maternal descendents.
During a trial run on two sets of remains, the DNA lab could get no usable
results. The belief is that the DNA is too damaged to be sequenced. During
a document review it was discovered that the remains were examined in 1954
using a fluoroscope which had an output of approximately 50 R/min at roughly
70 kVp. The examinations probably took several minutes. The dentist were
interested in whether the radiation dose that the bones received could have
damaged the DNA. Factors that could affect the result is whether the
radiation would have a different effect on DNA in dead cells rather than in
live cells and whether the bones having a lower water content that living
cells could affect the damage.
Any information, references, or points of contact would be greatly
appreciated.
JASON DUNAVANT
Chief, Health Physics
Tripler Army Medical Center
1 Jarret White Road, ATTN: MCHK-PVR
Honolulu, Hawaii 96859-5000
Phone: 808-433-2334
Fax: 808-433-2440
E-mail: Jason.Dunavant@amedd.army.mil
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