Paternity Analysis Using the Multilocus DNA Probe MZ 1.3

Abstract

The multilocus minisatellite DNA probe MZ 1.3 detects hypervariable restriction fragment patterns in genomic DNA of man and animals. It can be used for segregation analysis in cases of disputed paternity (Schacker et al., 1991; Rittner et al., 1991a), for identification purposes in forensic medicine and stain analysis (Ogata et al., 1990; Rittner et al., 1991b), as well as in animal breeding for pedigree analysis and verification of inbred strains (Hins & Gruber, 1991). Hypervariable fragment patterns can be generated by using frequently cutting restriction enzymes, e.g. Hinf I, Hae Ill, Msp I, Mbo I, and Rsa I. A non-radioactive system using the digoxigenin antidigoxigenin system may be used for the detection of polymorphic fragments (B.E.S.T. Probe MZ 1.3, Biotest AG, Dreieich, FRG). Using this method, less than 1 µg of human genomic DNA can be detected (see Fig. 1). If sufficient genomic DNA is available for study, two parallel restriction enzyme digestions, e.g. using Hinf I and Hae Ill, should be carried out simultaneously as a control for the possible appearance of unassignable bands due to partially digested DNA (Schacker et al., 1991).