Detecting errors in mtDNA data by phylogenetic analysis

H. J. Bandelt, P. Lahermo, M. Richards, V. Macaulay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

173 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Sequencing and documenting a sample of homologous DNA stretches is prone to copying errors in a way rather analogous to the biological replication process. Previous attempts at obtaining representative mtDNA sequences, typically of the control region, for evolutionary studies or forensic purposes have yielded rather unsatisfactory results in many cases. The key ingredient in pinpointing problems with given data is the phylogenetic analysis of closely related mtDNAs within the framework of an established worldwide phylogeny that is supported by coding region information. We develop some general rules by which likely errors in data tables can readily be detected without rereading whole sequences repeatedly. Following these guidelines, one can expect to lower the error rate by at least an order of magnitude, although it will still be hard to beat the mitochondrial gamma polymerase in precision.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)64-69
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Legal Medicine
Volume115
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2001

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detecting errors in mtDNA data by phylogenetic analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this