In Situ Labeling of DNA Reveals Interindividual Variation in Nuclear DNA Breakdown in Hair and May Be Useful to Predict Success of Forensic Genotyping of Hair

The study investigated the variability in nuclear DNA breakdown in hair and its impact on forensic genotyping success. By using Hoechst 33258 dye to label DNA in situ, researchers found that hair from different individuals showed varying levels of DNA remnants. This variability correlated with the amount of DNA that could be extracted and successfully amplified. The study concluded that the completeness of DNA degradation during hair formation is a polymorphic trait and that in situ DNA labeling could help predict the success of forensic DNA analysis in shed hair.