DNA typing from epiglottic cartilage of exhumed bodies

Epiglottic cartilage was evaluated as an alternative source of genomic DNA from decomposed human remains to be used in forensic casework. The histological study of epiglottic cartilage samples, taken from three bodies exhumed after 6–18 months, showed the presence of a well-conserved matrix delimiting the lacunae, where residual chondrocytes could be seen. The amount of genomic DNA isolated from the samples by means of a standard organic phenol/chloroform method varied from 0.25 to 2 ng/mg of tissue. Coamplification of six short tandem repeat (STR) loci plus Amelogenin, followed by capillary electrophoresis, generated full profiles for all the DNA extracts. In one case, it was possible to compare the obtained profile with that from a reference blood sample collected at the time of postmortem examination: complete concordance of genotypes was observed at all loci.