MOLECULAR GENETIC IDENTIFICATION OF THE SLOVENE HOME GUARDVICTIMS

• Main Author: Irena Zupanič Pajnič
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2008-11-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/511

BACKGROUND This paper describes the application of molecular genetic methods for identifying the skeletal remains of the three victims of the post-war killings under the Storžič Mountain. Weused femurs and teeth and compared their genetic profiles with the genetic material ofliving relatives. METHODS We cleaned the bones and teeth, removed surface contamination and ground the bonesinto powder. Prior to isolating the DNA using the Biorobot EZ1 (Qiagen), the powder wasdecalcified. The nuclear DNA of the samples were quantified using the real time PCRmethod. We aquired autosomal genetic profiles and Y-chromosome haplotypes, as well asmtDNA haplotypes, from all the bone and teeth samples and from reference persons. Forthe purposes of traceability in the event of contamination, we prepared an eliminationdata base including genetic profiles of the nuclear and mtDNA of all persons who havebeen in touch with the skeletal remains in any way. RESULTS We extracted up to 8.6 ng DNA/per g from the bone powder and, up to 55 ng DNA/per gfrom the teeth powder. When comparing genetic profiles, we matched all the bones and teeth with the living relatives. By analysing the autosomal nuclear DNA, we were able tomatch the daughter UM with the femur of skeleton 2 to identify victim UJ. By analysing theautosomal nuclear DNA and the mtDNA, we were able to match the niece CZ with thefemur of skeleton 3 to identify victim KJ. By analysing the autosomal nuclear DNA, themtDNA and the Y-chromosome, we were able to match the son KJ and the niece MZ with thefemur of the skeleton 1 and the molars of the skeleton 2 to identify victim KF. CONCLUSIONS The research showed a high probability (from 99.9999 % to 99.999999 %) that allthree victims of the killings under the Storžič Mountain are related to the living relatives,speaking in favour of the positive identification of the victims