Complex Variability within the THCA and CBDA Synthase Genes in Cannabis SpeciesTM Identity Panel
Journal Title: Journal of Forensic Investigation - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
The genes encoding the enzymes THCA and CBDA synthase, enzymes catalyzing the final biosynthetic steps in the production of the cannabinoids Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), have been subjected to DNA sequencing to better understand the variability of gene structure in different strains of marijuana (Cannabis sp.) and to begin to explore how this variability may have consequences in cannabinoid synthesis. Genomic DNA was extracted from a collection of marijuana samples seized by local law enforcement and made available for molecular analysis. Massively parallel sequencing as well as Sanger sequencing were used to elucidate the sequence of the synthase gene from different seized samples. The sequences were compared with THCA and CBDA synthase gene sequences contained within the GenBank database of NCBI to investigate the variability of these genes and to try and differentiate active from inactive synthase genes known to exist in Cannabis sp.. Results suggest the existence of numerous copies of THCA and CBDA synthase gene sequences in the genome of Cannabis. THCA synthase sequences are less variable than CBDA sequences in terms of SNP polymorphisms visualized and SNPs visualized in THCA synthase are more highly conserved among the seized samples analyzed. Our results suggest the existence of multiple synthase genes that exist combinations of functional and non-functional combinations of genes. It may be difficult to design a simple molecular assay that will distinguish between active and inactive synthase genes in a way that would be useful to growers desiring to propagate plants selected to produce only one or the other of the principal cannabinoids useful for medicinal purposes.
Authors and Affiliations
Robert W. Allen
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP202524
- DOI 10.13188/2330-0396.1000029
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
International SIDS Data is Misleading and Should Not Be Used
The fields of medicine, scientific research, and forensic investigations are all dependent on informational data to make advancements. The accuracy of that information has a significant impact on the degree of progressio...
A Death in Infancy: Scene Investigation and Consumer Product Safety Reporting
The authors present a case of asphyxia of an infant who was placed in an infant swing for the night. The parent’s original story of the circumstances of the death does not correspond with the physical findings at the tim...
Forensic Signature Detection of Yersinia pestis Culturing Practices across Institutions Using a Bayesian Network
The field of bioforensics is focused on the analysis of evidence from a biocrime. Existing laboratory analyses can identify the specific strain of an organism, as well signatures of the specific culture batch of organism...
Improving STR Profile Success Rates for Property Crime Specimens using InnoQuant® Human DNA Quantification & Degradation Assessment Kit
Typical forensic casework DNA specimens may be degraded to varying degrees as a result of environmental insults, storage conditions, or age. These specimens may need to be excessively re-worked since their level of degra...
Odontometrics: A Useful Method for Gender Determination in Udaipur PopulationTM Identity Panel
Background: Determining gender is one of the most important parameters in forensic identification. Teeth are an excellent material in living and nonliving populations for anthropological, genetic, odontologic and forensi...