The Applied Biosystems Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel is an innovative next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis specifically developed for forensic applications. It is a 2-pool multiplex assay that targets the entire human mitochondrial genome (16,569 bp) (see figure below). Each pool contains 81 primer pairs, with minimal primer overlap between pools. This panel was constructed using a innovative tiling approach to obtain optimal coverage data from highly compromised, degraded samples such as hair shafts, teeth, and bones that uses massively parallel sequencing built on Ion AmpliSeq technology. This mtDNA tiling approach was also used to construct the Precision ID mtDNA Control Region Panel (Cat. No. A31443) which targets only the control region of the genome.

Simplicity
• Small amplicons enable better recovery of mtDNA genome with degraded samples
• As little as 2 pg of input
• Automated library and template preparation using the Ion Chef System
• Optimized analysis using Converge Software

Scalability
• Multiple chip formats to meet a range of sample throughput requirements
• Ability to multiplex up to 32 samples*

Speed
• Less than 45 minutes of hands-on time for a DNA-to-data targeted sequencing workflow*
• Total sample-to-data time of less than 2 days*

Mitochondrial DNA analysis is a key DNA detection method used by forensic scientists when samples such as teeth, bones, and hairs without a follicle (root) are collected from crime scenes, missing person remains, or disaster areas that have been exposed to high environmental stress where nuclear DNA is insufficient in quality and/or quantity. Balanced coverage is achieved using a small amplicon design (163 bp average amplicon length), optimized with the inclusion of degenerate primers that align with primer-binding SNPs in the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, which increases success with degraded and low template DNA samples. This panel can be used with all types of forensic samples, including ancient DNA remains as well as clinical research specimens.

Additionally, full automation of library and template preparation of the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel using the Ion Chef System and sequencing on the Ion GeneStudio series systems can reduce variation observed with manual workflows (see figure below) and streamline user-instrument interaction with less than 45 minutes of hands-on time. The Converge NGS Analysis module automates mtDNA analysis, leveraging optimized base calling, phylogenetically-guided alignment, and quality filtering algorithms specific for the Precision ID mtDNA panels. Variant calling including, including heteroplasmy detection can be easily optimized within the software features. These solutions give forensic DNA laboratories the flexibility to detect variation within noncoding control sequences using the Precision ID mtDNA Control Region Panel or take advantage of the genetic diversity of full mtGenome sequence data using the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel.

The Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel provides sufficient material to perform 96 reactions using the manual Precision ID Library kit (Cat. No. A26435) or 48 reactions using the automated Precision ID DL8 Library Kit (Cat. No. A33212).

*Using the Precision ID NGS System for Human Identification

Note: Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, using the control region data for analysis, is approved for inclusion in the US National DNA Index System (NDIS) CODIS database.