Introduction of an single nucleodite polymorphism-based “Major Y-chromosome haplogroup typing kit” suitable for predicting the geographical origin of male lineages
The European Consortium "High-throughput analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms for the forensic identification of persons--SNPforID", has performed a selection of candidate Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for making inferences on the geographic origin of an unknown sample. From more than 200 SNPs compiled in the phylogenetic tree published by the Y-Chromosome Consortium, and looking at the population studies previously published, a package of 29 SNPs has been selected for the identification of major population haplogroups. A "Major Y-chromosome haplogroup typing kit" has been developed, which allows the multiplex amplification of all 29 SNPs in a single reaction. A…
Considerations from the European DNA profiling group (EDNAP) concerning STR nomenclature
(1) The nomenclature of any STR follows from comparison with a control allelic ladder; availability of reference allelic ladders is central to any scheme. The components of an allelic ladder should be sequenced. (2) The DNA commission recommended a nomenclature based upon the number of repeat sequences present in an allele. Whereas this method is suitable for typing simple STRs, complex hypervariable repeats such as ACTBP2 do not conform to a simple repeating structure. We propose that designation of complex STR repeats such as ACTBP2, D11S554 and APOAI1 follows from the size of specific alleles. Because the size is dependant upon the primers utilised, the size is not definitive (it may als…
Report of the European DNA profiling group (EDNAP)-an investigation of the hypervariable STR loci ACTBP2, APOAI1 and D11S554 and the compound loci D12S391 and D1S1656
This paper describes the results of three collaborative exercises which continues the EDNAP theme to explore whether uniformity of DNA profiling results could be achieved between European laboratories using STRs. In an earlier exercise, complex hypervariable AAAG-repeat STR loci were investigated, but reproducibility was found to be poor because of the variation of techniques used by participating laboratories. In the exercise reported here, an internal allelic ladder composed of ACTBP2 and D11S554 fragments was distributed. This ladder was used to size ACTBP2 analysed by a "singleplex" PCR amplification and D11S554 combined with APOAI1 in a separate "duplex" reaction. Laboratories were ask…
Forensic validation of the SNPforID 52-plex assay.
The advantages of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing in forensic genetics are well known and include a wider choice of high-throughput typing platforms, lower mutation rates, and improved analysis of degraded samples. However, if SNPs are to become a realistic supplement to current short tandem repeat (STR) typing methods, they must be shown to successfully and reliably analyse the challenging samples commonly encountered in casework situations. The European SNPforID consortium, supported by the EU GROWTH programme, has developed a multiplex of 52 SNPs for forensic analysis, with the amplification of all 52 loci in a single reaction followed by two single base extension (SBE) react…
A multiplex assay with 52 single nucleotide polymorphisms for human identification.
A total of 52 SNPs reported to be polymorphic in European, Asian and African populations were selected. Of these, 42 were from the distal regions of each autosome (except chromosome 19). Nearly all selected SNPs were located at least 100 kb distant from known genes and commonly used STRs. We established a highly sensitive and reproducible SNP-typing method with amplification of all 52 DNA fragments in one PCR reaction followed by detection of the SNPs with two single base extension reactions analysed using CE. The amplicons ranged from 59 to 115 bp in length. Complete SNP profiles were obtained from 500 pg DNA. The 52 loci were efficiently amplified from degraded samples where previously on…
STR analysis of artificially degraded DNA--results of a collaborative European exercise.
Degradation of human DNA extracted from forensic stains is, in most cases, the result of a natural process due to the exposure of the stain samples to the environment. Experiences with degraded DNA from casework samples show that every sample may exhibit different properties in this respect, and that it is difficult to systematically assess the performance of routinely used typing systems for the analysis of degraded DNA samples. Using a batch of artificially degraded DNA with an average fragment size of approx. 200 bp a collaborative exercise was carried out among 38 forensic laboratories from 17 European countries. The results were assessed according to correct allele detection, peak heig…
Application of whole genome amplification for forensic analysis
Abstract Fundamental to most forensic analyses is the availability of genomic DNA of adequate quality and quantity. To perform a multitude of genetic analyses and assays requires a sufficiently large amount of template. However, DNA yield from forensic samples is frequently limiting the extent of genetic typing. A possible solution to overcome this “bottleneck” of forensic and paleoarcheological DNA analyses could be the amplification of the entire genomic DNA prior to locus specific PCR analysis. Whole Genome Amplification appears to be a promising tool to obtain sufficient DNA amounts from forensic samples of limited quantity.
Analysis of 29 Y-chromosome SNPs in a single multiplex useful to predict the geographic origin of male lineages
Abstract The European Consortium “High throughput analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms for the forensic identification of persons—SNPforID” has performed a selection of candidate Y-chromosome SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) for making inferences on the geographic origin of an unknown sample. A “Major Y chromosome haplogroup typing kit” has been developed, which allows the multiplex amplification of 29 SNPs in a single reaction followed by a single base extension (SBE) reaction (minisequencing) and separation of the resulting extension products by capillary electrophoresis.
Forensic typing of autosomal SNPs with a 29 SNP-multiplex--results of a collaborative EDNAP exercise.
We report the results of an inter-laboratory exercise on typing of autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for forensic genetic investigations in crime cases. The European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP), a working group under the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), organised the exercise. A total of 11 European and one US forensic genetic laboratories tested a subset of a 52 SNP-multiplex PCR kit developed by the SNPforID consortium. The 52 SNP-multiplex kit amplifies 52 DNA fragments with 52 autosomal SNP loci in one multiplex PCR. The 52 SNPs are detected in two separate single base extension (SBE) multiplex reactions with 29 and 23 SNPs, respectively, using SNaPshot …
Paternity Testing Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: recommendations on genetic investigations in paternity cases
The International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) has established a Paternity Testing Commission (PTC) with the purpose of formulating international recommendations concerning genetic investigations in paternity testing. The PTC recommends that paternity testing be performed in accordance with the ISO 17025 standards. The ISO 17025 standards are general standards for testing laboratories and the PTC offers explanations and recommendations concerning selected areas of special importance to paternity testing. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effect of whole genome amplification on samples originating from more than one donor
Abstract In this study, the GenomiPhi™ DNA Amplification Kit (Amersham Biosciences) was used to investigate the potential of whole genome amplification (WGA) when considering samples originating from more than one donor. DNA was extracted from blood samples, quantified and normalised before being mixed in ratios of 1:1, 1:3, 1:7 and 1:15. Proportions were checked using standard STR analysis before being subjected to WGA. Once amplified using GenomiPhi™, the ratios were again checked. Relative proportions were found to be maintained in the 1:1 and 1:3 ratios following WGA; the observed peak ratios were found to match the expected peak ratios regardless of the starting concentration of DNA. W…
Characterization of mutations and sequence variations in complex STR loci by second generation sequencing
Abstract We used second generation sequencing (SGS) to examine sequence variation and mutational patterns in complex STR loci in Danish paternity cases. Four STR loci, D2S1338, D3S1358, D12S391 and D21S11, were sequenced in 45 samples from 15 confirmed trios with genetic inconsistencies between one of the parents and the child in either the D2S1338 or the D3S1358 loci. In 12 of the 15 cases, SGS revealed the allele that had mutated from the parent. In total, 61 different alleles were found in the 30 unrelated individuals. The highest variation was observed in the D12S391 locus and the lowest one in the D3S1358 locus. The four STR loci are good candidate loci for future SGS kits for forensic…
Mixture analysis using SWaP™ SNPs and non-biallelic SNPs
Abstract Improved analysis of degraded samples, increased throughput, and a wider choice of typing platforms are some of the significant advantages offered by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping over established short tandem repeat (STR)-based systems. However, DNA mixtures present a considerable problem to SNP analysis as there is currently no generally accepted technique that allows recognition of the presence of a mixed profile or identification of the individual contributors. We present the first demonstration of SNP mixture analysis with an approach based upon the use of two rare subsets of SNPs: SWaP™ SNPs and non-biallelic SNPs and discuss their value for forensic mixture…
Second generation sequencing of three STRs D3S1358, D12S391 and D21S11 in Danes and a new nomenclature for sequenced STR alleles
Second generation sequencing (SGS) may revolutionize the field of forensic STR typing. Two of the essential requirements for implementation of an SGS based approach for forensic investigations are (1) establishment of adequate frequency databases and (2) adoption of a new STR nomenclature. We report the STR sequences and allele frequencies of three STR loci: D3S1358, D12S391 and D21S11 in 197 unrelated Danes. We used a new STR nomenclature that depicts the locus name used in forensic genetics, the length of the repeat region divided by the repeat length (typically 4 nucleotides) and detailed sequence information of possible sub-repeats and SNPs within the amplified fragment.
Analysis of artificially degraded DNA using STRs and SNPs—results of a collaborative European (EDNAP) exercise
Recently, there has been much debate about what kinds of genetic markers should be implemented as new core loci that constitute national DNA databases. The choices lie between conventional STRs, ranging in size from 100 to 450 bp; mini-STRs, with amplicon sizes less than 200 bp; and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). There is general agreement by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) and the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) that the reason to implement new markers is to increase the chance of amplifying highly degraded DNA rather than to increase the discriminating power of the current techniques. A collaborative study between nine European and US laboratories…
DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: recommendations on forensic analysis using Y-chromosome short tandem repeats
Abstract During the past few years the DNA commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics has published a series of documents providing guidelines and recommendations concerning the application of DNA polymorphisms to the problems of human identification. This latest report addresses a relatively new area, namely Y-chromosome polymorphisms, with particular emphasis on short tandem repeats (STRs). This report addresses nomenclature, use of allelic ladders, population genetics and reporting methods.
DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: recommendations on forensic analysis using Y-chromosome STRs
During the past few years, the DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics has published a series of documents providing guidelines and recommendations concerning the application of DNA polymorphisms to the problems of human identification. This latest report addresses a relatively new area - namely, Y-chromosome polymorphisms, with particular emphasis on short tandem repeats (STRs). This report addresses nomenclature, use of allelic ladders, population genetics and reporting methods.
A sensitive issue: Pyrosequencing as a valuable forensic SNP typing platform
Analysing minute amounts of DNA is a routine challenge in forensics in part due to the poor sensitivity of an instrument and its inability to detect results from forensic samples. In this study, the sensitivity of the Pyrosequencing method is investigated using varying concentrations of DNA and five autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms in singleplex on both available instrument models; the PSQ™ 96MA and PSQ™ HS 96A. A detailed comparison of the two models was completed while establishing a lower limit of detection on both instruments to give results supporting the use of Pyrosequencing as a valuable forensic SNP typing platform. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.