Forensic Identification Using a Multiplex Assay of 47 SNPs*

Abstract: As a powerful alternative to short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, we have developed a novel panel of 47 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for DNA profiling and ABO genotyping. We selected 42 of the 47 SNPs from a panel of 86 markers that were previously validated as universal individual identification markers and identified five additional SNPs including one gender marker and four ABO loci. Match probability of the 42 validated SNPs was found to be 9.5 × 10^?18 in Han Chinese. SNP analysis correctly assessed a panel of historical cases, including both paternity identifications in trios and individual identifications. In addition, while STR profiling of degraded DNA provided information for 11 loci of 16 potential markers with low peak intensities, SNPstream^® genotyping was sufficient to identify all 47 SNPs. In summary, SNP analysis is equally effective as STR profiling, but appears more suited for individual identification than STR profiling in cases where DNA may be degraded.     

67个X-SNP位点的分型检测和连锁不平衡检验

目的 筛选一组在中国汉族人群中具有法医学应用前景的X-SNP位点.方法 根据dbSNP和HapMap两个数据库提供的位点信息和频率数据从X染色体上筛选出67个候选X-SNP位点,采用多重PCR联合基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱技术检测中国汉族人群428名无关个体,获得67个候选X-SNP位点在中国汉族人群中的频率数据...     

X染色体上高信息量SNP位点及其法医学价值

人类X染色体长154.8Mb,其上密布SNP位点,蕴涵着大量的信息。用于法医学鉴定的X-SNP标记多态性好、突变率低。本研究从Hapmap、NCBI的数据库中筛选了167个高信息量SNP位点,这些位点的等位基因在北京汉族人群中的分布频率均高于0.3,通过高通量、高灵敏度的检测方法可对各个X-SNP位点进行分型验证,通过正确的统计学分析可得到其法医学多态性参数。X-SNP位点具有一些常染色体遗传标记无法比拟的优点,作为常规STR基因座的补充,能用于解决特殊的亲子鉴定案,性别鉴定和混合斑鉴定。     

31个SNP位点多重PCR扩增和芯片分型技术的建立及其法医学应用

目的对SNP基因分型芯片在个体识别中的应用价值进行研究。方法根据SNP不同等位基因的序列设计探针,制成分型芯片。采用4个复合PCR体系,用末端标记了Cy5的引物进行复合PCR扩增,产物与寡核苷酸探针进行杂交,根据杂交产生的荧光信号值确定样品在各SNP位点的基因型。将这一方法应用于109份样本的分型,根据基因型分布统计分析31个SNP位点的法医学应用价值。同时,进行家系调查和方法灵敏度分析。结果方法的灵敏度为1ng;所检测的31个SNP位点的累积个体识别率为0.9999999999979(偶合率为2.13×10-12),二联体亲子鉴定中累积非父排除率为0.9609,三联体亲子鉴定中累积非父排除率为0.9970。家系调查的结果表明,这些位点等位基因由亲代向子代的传递符合孟德尔遗传定律。结论上述31个SNP位点为中高信息量位点,适用于法医学个体识别,可作为当前STR系统的补充。     

SNP genotyping by multiplex amplification and microarrays assay for forensic application

OBJECTIVE: Research on the application feasibility of SNP genotyping for forensic identification by microarrays. METHODS: Oligonucleotide microarrays which could detect 34 different SNPs were used. After hybridization and washing, the arrays were scanned and fluorescence intensities analyzed using Microarray software. Population studies on 34 SNP loci were carried out in a sample of 109 unrelated Chinese Han individuals using oligonucleotide microarrays for genotype detection. The method was also applied to cases. RESULTS: According to the results of population studies, no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be found. Among the 34 loci, 3 SNPs were low informative, 4 were medium informative and 27 were high informative. The combination discrimination power (CDP) of the 31 optimal polymorphic SNPs was 0.9999999999979. The matching probability was 2.13 x 10(-12). The average exclusion probability in paternity testing for duos was 0.9609. The average exclusion probability in paternity testing for trios was 0.9970. CONCLUSION: The data and case application demonstrated that SNP typing by oligonucleotide probe microarrays was a useful technique for paternity testing and individual identification. Combined with the 28 SNPs loci distributed on HLA-DRB1 and ABO genes, the combination discrimination power (CDP) was 0.9999999999999910. The matching probability was 9.02 x 10(-15). The average exclusion probabilities in duos and in trios were 0.9894 and 0.9992, respectively. It may be concluded that the 59 SNPs loci yield the same power in forensic identification as CODIS STRs currently used.     

Typing of 49 autosomal SNPs by SNaPshot in the Slovenian population

A total of 157 unrelated individuals residing in Slovenia were typed for 49 of the autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SNPforID 52plex with the SNaPshot^® assay. We obtained full SNP profiles in all but one individual and perfect concordance was obtained in duplicated analyses. Allele frequencies are presented for the 49 SNPs. No deviation from HWE was observed for any SNP. F_IS and F_ST were estimated. A principal coordinate analysis performed on six populations (Slovenian, Danish, Somali, Greenland, Turkish and Chinese) showed that the Slovenian population grouped with the Danish population. The mean power of discrimination for the Slovenian population was 1.1 × 10⁻¹⁹, and the mean exclusion probability for trios was 99.96%.     

个体识别SNPs位点组合筛选与法医学应用价值初探

目的筛选用于包括中国主要民族在内的多个群体个体识别的SNPs位点组合体系。方法以Kidd实验室筛选的86个SNPs位点、欧洲SNPforID组织构建的52-plex SNPs复合检测体系为基础,收集和整理这些位点在HapMap数据库中11个人群的分型数据,计算各位点杂合度和Fst值,筛选杂合度〉0.4,Fst值〈0.06,并在研究人群中处于Hardy-Weinberg和连锁平衡的位点组合。针对这些位点,采用MassARRAY分子阵列技术对自行收集的8个人群（尼日利亚人、坦桑尼亚查加人、印度人、丹麦人、俄罗斯汉特人、中国汉族、藏族、维吾尔族）308份样本进行分型,统计群体遗传学参数。结果按本文标准共筛选出66个SNPs位点,均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡,之间互不连锁,平均杂合度和Fst值分别为0.475、0.014。在本文收集的8个人群中的随机匹配概率在1.45E-24~4.72E-27之间,累积非父排除率为0.999 995 608~0.999 997 876之间。结论本文筛选的SNPs组合系统具有较强的个体识别能力,可用于本文调查的HapMap数据库中11个人群和本文收集的8个人群的个体识别鉴定。     

Evaluation of 96 SNPs in 14 populations for worldwide individual identification

Great advances have been made recently in searching for individual identification single-nucleotide polymorphisms (IISNPs or IDSNPs). Such SNPs as suggested by SNPforID scientists and by Pakstis et al., are promising, although they were selected from older or smaller databases rather than the most recent database. Here, we describe a new computational strategy for developing IDSNPs based on HapMap. We searched through HapMap r27 for SNPs having minor allele frequencies ≥0.30 in all its 11 populations and found more than 1881 qualified SNPs. We examined 96 of them with 183 DNA samples from three Chinese populations using Illumina arrays. The average allele frequency for these 96 SNPs among the three populations was 0.495/0.505, the average number of identical SNP genotypes shared by two individuals among the 14 populations (three Chinese and 11 HapMap) was 37.9, and the random matching probability for two unrelated Hans to match in all 96 genotypes was 9.793 × 10(-39). Thus, most of these 96 SNPs are universally applicable.     

48个X-SNP位点的筛选及法医学应用价值分析

目的对筛选出的48个X-SNP位点进行遗传学分析,评价其法医学应用价值。方法根据NCBI和Hap-Map网站提供的位点信息筛选出48个高信息量X-SNP位点,利用SNPlexTMSystem技术平台进行分型检测,通过中国华东地区汉族人群200个无关个体的调查建立遗传学资料,对48个X-SNP位点的遗传多态性进行研究分析,并进行连锁不平衡检验。结果除rs6527549外,筛选出的48个X-SNP位点在中国华东汉族人群中具有高信息量,多态信息含量均在0.32以上,个体识别率在女性群体和男性群体分别为0.56和0.40以上,非父排除率在二联体和三联体中分别为0.20和0.32以上。检验发现,部分位点存在连锁不平衡现象。结论本实验选取的48个X-SNP位点分型结果稳定,重复性好,在法医生物学研究中具有较高的应用价值,适于开展大规模的高通量检测。     

Parentally imprinted allele (PIA) typing in the differentially methylated region upstream of the human H19 gene

The H19 gene is a paternally imprinted gene located on chromosome 11p15.5. In this study, the H19FR1 and H19FR2 haplotype polymorphisms including four and three SNPs, respectively, upstream of the H19 gene according to the GenBank sequence (accession no. AF125183) were investigated. Five haplotypes and nine genotypes were detected for H19FR1 in the Chinese Han population by means of PCR and subsequent denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The power of discrimination (Dp), polymorphism information content (PIC) and probability of paternity exclusion (PE) were estimated to be 0.803, 0.58 and 0.322, respectively. For the H19FR2, two haplotypes and three genotyes were observed, and the Dp, PIC and PE were 0.626, 0.37 and 0.162, respectively. Sequencing results showed that only two of the four reported SNPs, a7342g and g7547a, were detected in H19FR1 in the Chinese Han population, and two new SNPs, g7351c and a7357g, were found. In the H19FR2 region, only one of the three reported SNPs, a8097g, was detected. Based on the methylation status of the genomic DNA, selective detection of the parental alleles for H19FRs was examined by using two types of enzymes, the methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (msRE) HpaII or HhaI and McrBC. Genomic DNA digested by either HpaII or HhaI, revealed a single band derived from the paternal allele, as a result of cleavage of unmethylated recognition sites on the maternal allele. On the contrary, the use of McrBC, which can digest a methylated paternal sequence, resulted in exclusively amplifying the maternal allele. This parentally imprinted allele (PIA) typing method could be one of the useful techniques for discriminating the parental origin of alleles.     

中国汉族及日本群体7个Y—STR位点及单倍型的遗传多态性和群体差异

目的调查Y染色体7个STR位点及单倍型的遗传多态性并分析其群体差别。方法应用PCR、变性聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳结合银染显色分型技术,检测45例中国汉族及59例日本男性DNA样品。结果在DYS393、DYS389Ⅰ、DYS19、DYS390、DYS389Ⅱ、DYS392等6个位点中共检出33个等位基因,DYS385位点检出39个等位基因组,其频率分布在0.0169～0.6444之间,DP值分布在0.5406～0.9579之间,以DYS385位点最高。7个位点数据综合比较,二组群体间在遗传学上存在显著性差异P<0.05。由7个位点组成的单倍型有95种,中国汉族有41种,DP值为0.9960,日本群体有54种,DP值为0.9965,2群体间未发现相同的单倍型。结论上述7个STR位点属于高鉴别能力位点,单倍型具有很高的遗传多态性并显示出明显的民族特征。     

Mass spectrometry-based SNP genotyping as a potential tool for ancestry inference and human identification in Chinese Han and Uygur populations

Ancestry informative SNPs (AISNPs) are genetic variants that exhibit substantially different frequencies between populations from different geographical regions; thus, they can provide some valuable information regarding samples and be used in predicting an individual's ancestry origin. In this study, we selected the potentially best SNPs from our previous study with genome-wide high-density SNP data in mainland Chinese Uygur and Han populations and investigated the allele distribution patterns and genetic information of AISNPs with a mass spectrometry-based SNP genotyping panel. Mass spectrometry-based detection technology offers the opportunity to analyze forensic DNA samples and obtain SNP variants with accuracy and ease. The panel can distinguish and cluster Han and Uygur populations and is suitable for human identification and parentage testing in the two populations. Heatmap, PCA, and Structure analyses indicated that the ideal 64 AISNPs can collectively provide additional information on differences among populations from East Asia, South Asia, Europe and Africa. Additionally, the results proved that the Uygur population is the admixture of East Asia and Europe.     

单倍型的分析及其法医学应用

单倍型是指一条染色体或者线粒体上紧密连锁的多个等位基因的线性排列,作为一个整体遗传给子代。国际单倍型图谱计划已于2002年启动,该计划的目标在于通过测定序列变异特征、变异频率及其相互关联,绘出人类基因组的“单倍型区块”,以及不同区块的标记SNP。本文介绍了单倍型的形成与分布及其3种分析方法：实验法、系谱推断和统计算法。当等位基因间存在连锁不平衡的关系时。法医学中的各种概率要以等位基因组成的单倍型来统计。单倍型的重要性已被人们所认识。其在法医学中的应用已经逐步开展起来,主要集中在Y染色体、线粒体和X染色体,作为DNA遗传标记的重要补充。     

Mismatched multiplex PCR amplification and subsequent RFLP analysis to simultaneously identify polymorphisms of erythrocytic ESD, GLO1, and GPT genes

ESD (esterase D), GLO1 (glyoxalase I), and GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) are human erythrocytic isoenzymes and have previously been applied in forensic medicine caseworks. The molecular bases of the polymorphic gene expression products have been demonstrated to be because of SNPs in respective coding regions. However, it has not been revealed whether the SNPs conferring the polymorphisms to the aforementioned erythrocytic isoenzymes could be simultaneously detected by using a simple PCR method. In this study, we used mismatched primers to simultaneously amplify three common isoenzyme loci so that all amplified products contained the same Hph I cleavage sites. The products were then digested with Hph I and electrophoretically separated and stained so that alleles were identified. The accumulated values for the probability of discrimination power and excluding the probability of paternity to the aforementioned systems attained 90.41% and 41.72%, respectively, in the Chinese Han population. This assay could be extremely valuable for future forensic medicine practices.     

Analysis of 50 SNPs in CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in Chinese Han population

One of the major challenges in the near future is the identification of genes that affect the metabolism of different drugs. Large scale association studies that utilise single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been considered a valuable tool for this purpose. CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 were found to be involved in the majority of hepatically cleared drugs. To determine the allele frequencies of some SNPs that may have great potential value in forensic science, we screened 50 SNPs in these 5 CYP genes in Chinese Han people using an accurate, high-throughput, cost-effective method. Primers were designed using the MassARRAY Assay Design software. Genomic DNA was prepared from blood samples obtained from individuals of Chinese Han origin. Multiplex PCR was performed to amplify the relevant gene fragments, and the polymorphisms were analysed by allele-specific primer extension followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). A panel of genomic DNA samples previously genotyped by other methods were analysed simultaneously for quality control, and the results demonstrated that this assay was 100% accurate. A total of 17 of the analysed SNPs were polymorphic. Of these 17 SNPs, 8 (rs16947, rs28371725, rs1800754, rs4244285, rs4986893, rs12248560, rs3758580, rs2242480) had an allele frequency that was significantly different between this Chinese Han population and Caucasians (p<0.01). In addition, the frequencies of two of these SNPs (rs1800754, rs3758581) in our Chinese Han population differed significantly from the existing Chinese frequency data (p<0.01). The described method thus provides reliable results and enables the genotyping of up to thousands of samples by taking advantage of the high-throughput MALDI-TOF technology. The results herein are now included as a supplement to the P450 database.     

Genetic Variants in KCNE1, KCNQ1, and NOS1AP in Sudden Unexplained Death During Daily Activities in Chinese Han Population

Fifty‐six sudden unexplained death (SUD) cases were collected from Chinese Han population, which occurred during daily activities and were autopsy negative in comprehensive postmortem autopsy. The coding exons of potassium channel genes KCNE1, KCNQ1, and nitric oxide synthase gene NOS1AP were sequenced. A synonymous mutation, KCNE1 F54F T>C was identified in 2 SUD cases, which was absent in the control subjects. Neither genotype nor allele frequencies of KCNE1 and KCNQ1 exhibited a significant difference between the SUD and control group. In contrast, the allele frequency (p = 2.7 × 10⁻¹⁰) and genotype frequency (p = 5.9 × 10⁻⁷) of rs3751284, and the genotype frequency (p = 2.9 × 10⁻²) of rs348624 in NOS1AP of SUD were significantly different from that of controls (p < 0.05). Our study suggested that rs3751284 and rs348624 might be susceptibility loci for SUD during daily activities. Larger sample sizes and further molecular studies are needed to confirm or exclude an effect of the NOS1AP SNPs on SUD risk.     

Texas Population Substructure and Its Impact on Estimating the Rarity of Y STR Haplotypes from DNA Evidence*

Abstract: Three sampled populations of unrelated males—African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic, all from Texas—were typed for 16 Y short tandem repeat (STR) markers using the AmpFlSTR^® Yfiler^TM kit. These samples also were typed previously for the 13 core CODIS autosomal STR loci. Most of the 16 marker haplotypes (2478 out of 2551 distinct haplotypes) were observed only once in the data sets. Haplotype diversities were 99.88%, 99.89%, and 99.87% for the African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic sample populations, respectively. F_ST values were very small when a haplotype comprised 10–16 markers. This suggests that inclusion of substructure correction is not required. However, haplotypes consisting of fewer loci may require the inclusion of F_ST corrections. The testing of independence of autosomal and Y STRs supports the proposition that the frequencies of autosomal and Y STR profiles can be combined using the product rule.     

Comparisons between Japanese and Han Chinese populations for 261 autosomal STR loci

In this study, Japanese and Han Chinese individuals (n = 32, each) were genotyped for 261 autosomal STRs, and allele frequencies were calculated for each locus in each population. The average number of alleles for all loci in Japanese and Han Chinese populations was 6.65 and 6.56, respectively. The tests for deviations from HWE performed using an exact test showed that the number of STRs (P > 0.05) in Japanese and Han Chinese populations was 236 and 241, respectively. Calculation of forensic parameters showed heterozygosity, and the exclusion means in the Japanese population were 0.7185 and 4813 and those in the Han Chinese population were 0.7308 and 0.5008. In addition, population genetic analyses, such as principal component analysis and factorial correspondence analysis, were performed and a differential formula with likelihood ratios was applied for various number of STR loci based on the effectiveness of differentiation between the two populations. Accordingly, this study suggests that statistical differentiation between genetically close populations, such as the Japanese and Han Chinese populations, is possible if approximately 40–50 effective STR loci are analyzed.     

广东汉族人群H19基因上游差异甲基化区SNP

目的调查广东汉族人群中H19基因上游差异甲基化区(differentially methylated region,DMR)的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)及单倍型。方法应用PIA分型法,以限制性内切酶Mcr BC、HpaⅡ消化基因组DNA分别获得个体单亲源DNA模板链,经测序,分别获得个体H19基因上游DMR单亲源SNP等位基因、基因型及单倍型数据。结果共检出13个SNP(rs10840167、rs2525883、rs12417375、rs4930101、rs2525882、rs2735970、rs2735971、rs11042170、rs2735972、rs10732516、rs2071094、rs2107425、rs4930098)及1个突变点(g7351c)。所有位点经统计学分析均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡定律(P0.05)。除rs12417375位点DP值为0.279,其余12个SNP DP值在0.446~0.614;g7351c突变点DP值为0.013,提示为南方汉族民族特异性位点。共检出8种单倍型(命名为单倍型1~8),其中有3种为新发现的单倍型,其DP、PIC、PE及H分别为0.891、0.714、0.524和0.758。结论 PIA分型法获得的H19基因上游DMR SNP位点及其单倍型遗传标记系统具有较高的鉴别能力,在法医学鉴定中具有较好的实用价值。     

A Three‐Locus,PCR‐based Method for Forensic Identification of Plant Material

Plant residue is currently an underutilized resource in forensic investigations despite the fact that many crime scenes, as well as suspects and victims, harbor plant‐derived residue that could be recovered and analyzed. Notwithstanding the considerable skill of forensic botanists, current methods of species determination could benefit from tools for DNA‐based species identification. However, DNA barcoding in plants has been hampered by sequence complications in the plant genome. Following a database search for usable barcodes, broad‐spectrum primers were designed and utilized to amplify and sequence the rbcL, trnL‐F, and rrn18 genetic loci from a variety of household plants. Once obtained, these DNA sequences were used to design species‐targeted primers that could successfully discriminate the source of plant residue from among the 21 species tested.