Determination of individual genetic pattern by analysis of hypervariable minisatellites as a new method for establishment of paternity. General considerations and descriptions of a disputed case

In this paper we show the possibility to apply the analysis of the hypervariable minisatellites present in the human genome to the diagnosis of paternity. We take advantage of the recent discovery by Jeffreys and Coll. at the University of Leicester (U.K.) of middle repetitive DNA segments (minisatellites) which show an extreme degree of polymorphism in humans. Making use of particular probes for these regions of the human genome it is possible to establish individual DNA fingerprints of more precise value than usual fingerprints. The polymorphic DNA minisatellites are transmitted stably as mendelian characters through generations and it is possible to demonstrate that the number and length of minisatellites in each individual is inherited in the proportion of 50% from each parent. Here we refer to the use of this new DNA recombinant technology to exclude or to ascertain (prove) with certainty the paternity in a legal contest.