A Paternity Testing Case Using FFPE Tissue

Abstract

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues provide a wealth of pathological information crucial for clinical and forensic examinations. Formalin induces robust complexes between DNA and proteins, impacting DNA extraction and complicating short tandem repeat (STR) typing for personal identification and paternity testing. Here, we present a case of paternity testing involving one FFPE tissue and one blood specimen. We compared four DNA extraction methods and analyzed the obtained products from the most successful approach. To ensure robust statistical support, we used a combination of three STR kits for the analysis. This case demonstrates the viability of using multiple kits in tandem for STR profiling of FFPE tissues.