Abstract |
STR loci used in today's STR profiling kits come from multiple
chromosomes, and the technique can generate a full STR profile even in the
presence of microsatellite instability. So I find the absence of STR loci
in these profiles from CABA I puzzling. Some additional testing is needed
to further explore these findings. 1) It is important to perform separate
species testing to confirm that CABA I is of human origin. STR profiling
is typically considered species-specific, however, it has been clearly
documented that related species can be detected. This has been documented
previously by Almeida et al (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22059503/),
Ren et al (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206866/), and others. STR
profiles generated from non-human species can produce patterns similar to
those seen here. 2) Human cell line STR profiles have clearly defined
quality criteria, including some requirements that are unique to cell
lines (see ANSI/ATCC ASN-0002-2011 Authentication of Human Cell Lines:
Standardization of STR Profiling). To my eye, the electropherograms seen
here do not meet all quality criteria. It would be helpful to see other
cell lines used as positive controls alongside CABA I data, to demonstrate
adherence to quality criteria, in addition to the "typical male" and
"typical female" results shown here.
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