HLA-DQA1 and amelogenin coamplification: a handy tool for identification.

A protocol for HLA-DQA1 and gender identification by single amplification is described. The use of the commercial HLA-DQA1 amplification kit (Perkin Elmer) permits a positive response for sex determination by adding primers for a short sequence on the first intron of Amelogenin gene. The suggested amplification protocol results in PCR products easily and clearly detectable on ethidium bromide stained agarose gel or silver stained polyacrylamide gel. In both gels the HLA-DQA1 observations at 242-239 bp are accomplished with a single band at 106 bp in females and a doublet 112-106 bp in males. HLA-DQA1 reverse dot-blot hybridization is unaffected by the presence of X and Y amplified fragments.