DNA-contaminated PCR

[Martin Leach]

In article <zoltan.6 at SciNet2.UP.Ac.ZA>, zoltan at SciNet2.UP.Ac.ZA (ZOLTAN
GYORGYPAL) wrote:

> Hello,
> 
> I'm having trouble amplifying DNA from museum material. The skins I need to 
> extract DNA from have been kept on the floor of a dirty store room. So I'm 
> amplifying mouse DNA instead of the organism I'd like to investigate. 
> 
> I wonder what are the best methods to get rid of the surface DNA 
> contamination before actually starting the extraction from the old & dry 
> skins. Maybe some DNase treatment, followed by the elimination of the enzyme 
> before starting the lysis of the skin itself?
> 
> Also, if you know about a newsgroup or other forum specifically interested 
> in ancient DNA amplification, please give me a pointer.
> 


Dear Zoltan...if it is just mouse DNA then this should dissolve away in
water.
Is it mouse DNA or mouse tissue that is contaminating?
If it is mouse tisse/excrement etc.. then i guess the best way is to design
PCR primers that are specific to the organism u wish to amplify from..

sorry for limited info..

Martin

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