MICROHAPLOTYPES: A COMPREHENSIVE FORENSIC DNA MARKER
In this presentation, the subject matter expert will discuss the current status of the research conducted in the GW-FMB lab on a new multi-function DNA marker and its potential impact to the field of forensic genetics.
Microhaplotypes (microhaps) are biomarkers less than 300 nucleotides long that display multiple allelic combinations. The main advantages of microhaps over conventional short tandem repeats (STRs) include the 1) absence of stutter, 2) same-size alleles within each locus, 3) lower mutation rate, and 4) ancestry informative alleles. These forensically relevant loci can yield a power of discrimination similar to STRs while enhancing human identification (HID), mixture deconvolution, and biogeographic ancestry prediction.
Sanger sequencing does not allow determining the cis/trans relationship among closely related SNPs, however massively parallel sequencing (MPS) allows determining the parental haplotypes at each locus by clonally sequencing of each DNA molecule if they are included in the same amplicon. Currently, STR panels are used for mixture deconvolution and SNP assays are used for ancestry inference. Microhaplotypes can be used for both functions allowing, for example, to infer the ancestry of a minor contributor to a mixture (DNA intelligence).
Details Learning Objectives
Attendees will learn about
- 1) Microhaplotypes (MHs) as an emerging forensic marker
- 2) Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) methods applied to forensic DNA analysis
- 3) Adapting probabilistic genotyping to data from MPS of MHs
Presenters:
Daniele Podini -Professor in the Department of Forensic Sciences at George Washington University
Organizer
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) is committed to improving the practice and strengthening the impact of forensic science through rigorous technology corroboration, evaluation, and adoption; effective knowledge transfer and education; and comprehensive dissemination of best practices and guidelines to agencies dedicated to combating crime.
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), led by RTI International, is supported through a Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (awards 2016-MU-BX-K110 and 2011-DN-BX-K564). The FTCoE supports the implementation of new forensic technology and best practices by end users and is dedicated to elevating the status of forensic science through advancing technology, sharing knowledge, and addressing challenges. The FTCoE bridges the gap between the scientific and the justice communities.
Advancing Technology | The FTCoE manages the testing and evaluation of emerging technologies applicable to forensic science. By identifying and removing the potential barriers that often derail the implementation and acceptance of new and innovative technologies, the FTCoEplaces promising technical innovations in the hands of forward-thinking practitioners, stakeholders, and policy makers. This is achieved through technical evaluation, technical assistance, and guidance resources.
Sharing Knowledge | The FTCoE provides knowledge transfer and integration which strengthens the connection between forensic discovery and forensic process using a blended learning environment consisting of web-based presentations, workshops, specialized events and discussions panels. The FTCoE provides knowledge transfer and integration which strengthens the connection between forensic discovery and forensic process using a blended learning e`nvironment consisting of web-based presentations, workshops, specialized events and discussions panels.
Addressing Challenges | The FTCoE is an established leader in the expeditious transition of research into the hands of practitioners. We understand the user needs, and through our support of the NIJ’s Research and Development (R&D) portfolio, we identify and employ the requirements necessary to drive the adoption of research and development outcomes. To learn more about how the FTCoE supports the NIJ’s R&D portfolio and provides technology transition support.
