Effectiveness of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms to Investigate Cattle Rustling

Short tandem repeats (STR)s have been the eligible markers for forensic animal genetics, despite single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)s became acceptable. The technology, the type, and amount of markers could limit the investigation in degraded forensic samples. The performance of a 32‐SNP panel genotyped through OpenArrays^TM (real‐time PCR based) was evaluated to resolve cattle‐specific forensic cases. DNA from different biological sources was used, including samples from an alleged instance of cattle rustling. SNPs and STRs performance and repeatability were compared. SNP call rate was variable among sample type (average = 80.18%), while forensic samples showed the lowest value (70.94%). The repeatability obtained (98.7%) supports the used technology. SNPs had better call rates than STRs in 12 of 20 casework samples, while forensic index values were similar for both panels. In conclusion, the 32‐SNPs used are as informative as the standard bovine STR battery and hence are suitable to resolve cattle rustling investigations.     

Analyzing degraded DNA and challenging samples using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit

Typing short tandem repeats (STRs) is the basis for human identification in current forensic testing. The standard method uses capillary electrophoresis (CE) to separate amplicons by length and fluorescent labeling. In recent years new methods, including massively parallel sequencing (MPS), have been developed which increased the discriminative power of STRs through sequencing. MPS also offers the opportunity to test more genetic markers in a run than is possible with standard CE technology. Verogen’s ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit includes over 150 genetic markers [STRs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)]. Further, MPS separation depends on sequences rather than lengths; therefore, amplicons can be small or even of the same lengths. These improvements are advantageous when testing challenging forensic samples that could be severely degraded.This study tested the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit in repeated experimental runs on series of degraded DNA samples, ranging from mild to severe degradation, as well as 24 mock case-type samples, derived from bones, blood cards, and teeth. Despite passing the quality metrics, positive controls (2800 M) showed drop-outs at some loci, mostly SNPs. Sequencing DNA samples repeatedly in two experimental runs as well as sequencing one pooled library in triplicate led to the assumption that spurious alleles of the Y-STRs in this study were not a result of sequencing artifacts but could be due to sequence structures (e.g. duplications, palindromes) of the Y-chromosome and/or might be accumulated during library preparation.Two sets of serially degraded DNA samples revealed that dropped-out loci were primarily loci with long amplicons as well as low read numbers (coverage), e.g. PentaE, DXS8378, and rs1736442. STRs started to drop out at degradation indices (DIs) > 4. However, severely degraded DNA (DI: 44) still resulted in 90% of the 20 CODIS loci, while only 35% were obtained using Promega’s PowerPlex® Fusion kit, a current standard CE kit. Mock case-type samples confirmed these results. ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit demonstrated that it can be successfully used on degraded DNA samples. This study may be helpful for other laboratories assessing and validating MPS technologies.     

Development of a Nomenclature System for a Canine STR Multiplex Reagent Kit*†

Abstract: Despite the popularity of dogs in US households, canine DNA evidence remains largely untapped in forensic investigations partially because of the absence of well‐defined forensic short tandem repeats (STRs), lack of standardized and validated PCR protocols, STR reagent kits, and poorly developed nomenclature. A nomenclature system was established based on internationally recognized recommendations for human forensic STRs for a recently developed canine STR reagent kit. Representative alleles were sequenced from each of the 18 STRs and the sex‐typing marker included in the kit. This study also reflects on the impact of point mutations, insertions, and deletions within and outside the STR core repeat structures. An understanding of the STRs’ sequence and repeat structures will enable development of a robust and reliable allele nomenclature and improve the accuracy and precision of allele fragment sizing in canine forensic profiling. The expected allele sizes have been calculated, and their repeat stuctures defined based on sequence information.     

Analysis of forensic samples in Banco Nacional de Datos Genéticos

Analysis of forensic samples to evaluate the rate of success for molecular markers: autosomal STRs, Y chromosome, and mitochondrial DNA. Since 2006 to date a total of 390 forensic samples were analyzed: bones, teeth, hairs, swabs, stains and paraffin embedded tissue. Bones and teeth, were pulverized in a Freezer Mill, extracted by chloroform/phenol/isoamyl alcohol method, and then purified with Centricon 100 columns. DNA from paraffin was extracted with QIAmp DNA Mini kit (QIAGEN). Mitochondrial DNA Control Region sequences were determined for regions HV1/HV2. Sequencing was performed using the BigDye^® Terminator v 1.1 Kit and analyzed in ABIPRISM^® 3100 Genetic Analyzer (AB). STRs were amplified using Amp FlSTR Identifiler^®, Minifiler^® and YFiler^® Kit (AB) and analyzed in ABI PRISM^® 3100 Genetic Analyzer and ABI PRISM^® 3130xl Genetic Analyzer (AB). Among forensic samples, bones and teeth analyzed for autosomal STRs, we obtained successful results in all of them. Incomplete typing are represented by loci of higher molecular weight, which demonstrates the poor quality of the sample due to its state of degradation and obtained better results using mini STRs. Successful results in sequencing for mitochondrial HV1 region for all samples analyzed, but in few hair samples we obtained mixed sequences and that represented important difficulties for the analysis. Age of samples and conservation are factors related which affect DNA viability. Autosomal STRs solved all the samples analyzed in our study, but Y chromosome analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing are also important and necessary markers in some forensic cases.     

Developmental validation of 15 X chromosomal short tandem repeat markers

The use of X chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers has been greatly increasing in the forensic setting. Using guidelines set forth previously for the validation of autosomal and Y STRs, aspects of the feasibility of routine X chromosomal STR use were evaluated. Two mini-X chromosomal STR multiplexes capable of amplifying 15 total markers were developed and utilized to determine allele nomenclature, allele/genotype frequencies, mutation rates, and linkage between markers. Additionally, a concordance study between these multiplexes and a commercially available kit was performed. Here, the authors present an overview of this extensive developmental validation study.     

Trisomy 21 disclosure using STR and SNP markers typed by MiSeq FGx™ Forensic Genomics System

The presence of a tri-allelic pattern at a single locus in a multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) profile is a rarely observable event. Generally, based on peak height measured by the capillary electrophoresis (CE) method and combination of alleles, the tri-allelic pattern is distinguishable into two predominant types: type 1 and 2, which are caused, respectively, by somatic mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. When tri-allelic patterns at more than one STR located on the same chromosome are detected, there is a reasonable suspicion of a trisomy due to an extra copy of a chromosome. Therefore, information on the type of three-band pattern is usually limited to STRs localized on the same chromosome included in the forensic kit in use and sometimes in insufficient numbers to classify this event correctly. The opportunity to extend this evaluation to additional markers, such as SNPs detectable using NGS, has not yet been explored. In this study, using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit, two cases of autosomal aneuploidy were revealed on chromosome 21, relying not only on STRs assessment but also extending the analysis to the five identity-informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (iiSNPs) localized on chromosome 21.     

Mutations at 17 STR loci in Chinese population

Knowledge about mutation rates and the mutational process of short-tandem-repeat (STR) or microsatellite loci used in forensic analysis is crucial for the correct interpretation of resulting genetic profiles. We analysed a total of 19,754 samples from 6532 paternity testing cases at 17 STR loci which are commonly applied to forensics. The parenthood in each of these cases was highly validated (probability>99.99%). We identified 178 mutations. Locus-specific mutation rate estimates varied between 7.0 x 10(-5) and 2.2 x 10(-3), and the overall average mutation rate estimate was 8.4 x 10(-4). The observed mutational features for STRs have important consequences for forensic application such as the definition of criterions for exclusion in paternity testing and the interpretation of DNA profiles in identification analysis. In order to enrich the reference data of STRs mutations which are valuable for forensic application, we suggest the establishment of such database and ask the whole forensic community for data contribution including China.     

Validation of nine non-CODIS STR loci for forensic use in a population from Central Poland

The D7S1517, D3S1744, D12S391, D2S1360, D6S474, D8S1132, D5S2500, D10S2325 and D4S236613 are STR loci potentially useful for forensic purposes whose analysis has recently become facilitated by availability of a commercial kit. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of these loci for forensic identification in a population of Central Poland. The distribution of alleles of the nine STRs was determined in sample of 353 unrelated individuals born in Central Poland and indices of forensic informativeness were calculated. The studied loci were highly informative and did not show departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. For the loci located on the same chromosomes (D2S1360, D3S1744 D4S2366, D5S2500, D7S1517, D8S1132, D12S391) as other loci commonly used for identification purposes (TPOX, D2S1338, D3S1358, FGA, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179 and D12S391) appropriate pairwise analysis of linkage disequilibrium was performed. In all cases no statistically significant deviation from independence was found. We conclude that the studied STRs are informative and, when necessary, can be used to extend the results obtained with other STRs commonly analyzed for identification purposes, in particular the CODIS set.     

等位基因分型标准物的法医应用及制备研究

短串联重复序列(shorttandemrepeats,简称STR)由于其本身的优点和检测技术的不断完善,在今后相当长的时间内仍将是法医应用的重要遗传标记。等位基因分型标准物是STR检测试剂盒的组成部分,能够保证各等位基因分型的准确性。本文对等位基因分型标准物的出现、在法庭科学上的应用以及目前制备方法进行了综述,并对各种制备方法进行比较,以期对各实验室按照实际需要自行制备相关STR的等位基因分型标准物在方法选择上有所帮助,从而更好地进行法医物证鉴定。     

国产试剂盒Goldeneye~(TM)20A在亲权鉴定中的应用评估

目的评估GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒在亲权鉴定中的应用价值。方法应用GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒对289宗亲权鉴定案例中的FTA卡血样本基因组DNA进行PCR扩增,扩增产物用ABI 3130xl遗传分析仪进行毛细管电泳,GeneMapper v3.2和GeneMarker HID软件进行基因分型及统计学分析,并与IdentifilerTM、SinofilerTM、PowerPlex16 3种试剂盒进行比较。结果采用GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒,累积非父排除概率(CPE)为0.999 999 996,累积个人识别能力(CPD)达0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 932 44,与目前常用的3种试剂盒相比较,GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒在不排除的案例中具有更高的CPI值;在排除的案例中具有更多的排除指标。结论国产GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒在亲权鉴定中有较高的应用价值。     

X-STR和常染色体STR在二联体亲权鉴定中的应用

目的探讨X-STR和常染色体STR在二联体亲权鉴定中的应用价值。方法分别采用Sinofiler试剂盒和Mentype Argus X-8试剂盒对104例二联体亲权鉴定的样本DNA进行基因分型,并对各个STR基因座在排除案例中的应用价值进行统计分析。结果Sinofiler试剂盒和MentypeArgus X-8试剂盒对其中102例案件均可获得相同的鉴定结论;另外2例案件中,分别在DXS10074和DXS10035基因座检见突变可能。在69例排除案例中,Sinofiler检测系统中以D8S1179基因座的排除率最高,为56.52%;MentypeArgus X-8检测系统中以DXS10135基因座的排除率最高,达到85.51%。结论X-STR在法医学中具有很好的应用价值,不仅可以成为常染色体STR的重要补充,而且可以解决一些特殊案例的鉴定难题。     

4个YSTRs基因座的复合扩增

目的 建立DYS19、DYS389 Ⅰ、DYS389 Ⅱ、DYS385复合扩增体系。方法 遴选Y STRs基因座的引物，分别用FAM、TAMRA、TET标记DYS19、DYS385、DYS389 Ⅰ、DYS389 Ⅱ，优化扩增条件，考察扩增体系的个体识别能力、灵敏度、种属特异性及突变情况。结果 所建立的4基因座Y STRs复合扩增体系分型清晰，单倍型多样性达0.989，且特异性好，灵敏度高(1ng DNA)，未观察到突变。结论 所建立的4个Y STRs基因座复合扩增方法适合法医学应用。     

Analysis of global variability in 15 established and 5 new European Standard Set (ESS) STRs using the CEPH human genome diversity panel

The CEPH human genome diversity cell line panel (CEPH-HGDP) of 51 globally distributed populations was used to analyze patterns of variability in 20 core human identification STRs. The markers typed comprised the 15 STRs of Identifiler, one of the most widely used forensic STR multiplexes, plus five recently introduced European Standard Set (ESS) STRs: D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D12S391 and D22S1045. From the genotypes obtained for the ESS STRs we identified rare, intermediate or off-ladder alleles that had not been previously reported for these loci. Examples of novel ESS STR alleles found were characterized by sequence analysis. This revealed extensive repeat structure variation in three ESS STRs, with D12S391 showing particularly high variability for tandem runs of AGAT and AGAC repeat units. The global geographic distribution of the CEPH panel samples gave an opportunity to study in detail the extent of substructure shown by the 20 STRs amongst populations and between their parent population groups. An assessment was made of the forensic informativeness of the new ESS STRs compared to the loci they will replace: CSF1PO, D5S818, D7S820, D13S317 and TPOX, with results showing a clear enhancement of discrimination power using multiplexes that genotype the new ESS loci. We also measured the ability of Identifiler and ESS STRs to infer the ancestry of the CEPH-HGDP samples and demonstrate that forensic STRs in large multiplexes have the potential to differentiate the major population groups but only with sufficient reliability when used with other ancestry-informative markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms. Finally we checked for possible association by linkage between the two ESS multiplex STRs closely positioned on chromosome-12: vWA and D12S391 by examining paired genotypes from the complete CEPH data set.     

Chelex-100提取生物检材DNA实时PCR定量研究

目的研究Chelex-100法提取的生物检材DNA用量与复合STR分型成功率的关系。方法113份各种生物检材采用Chelex-100法提取DNA，应用Quantifiler人类DNA定量试剂盒在ABI 7500荧光定量PCR仪上进行实时PCR定量，同时用Identifiler复合扩增系统在ABI 3100遗传分析仪上对这些DNA样品进行STR分型。结果各种生物检材提取的DNA浓度分别为：37份滤纸、纱布血痕0．042～5．28ng／μl，16份口腔拭子1．15—4．21ng／μl，18份烟头0．016～1．46ng／μl，10份肋软骨0．531—14．40ng／μl，8份肌肉5．75—24．80ng／μl，7份指甲0．788—11．50ng／μl，17份精斑0．79～99．50ng／μl。在建立的8μl扩增体系中，根据上述结果，调整用于复合STR扩增的DNA模板量在0．5—3ng之间，大部分样品可获得完全的STR分型。结论Chelex-100法提取的检材DNA模板用量在0．5—3ng之间可得到有效STR扩增，浓度为0．5ng／μl以上的DNA样品，用小体积模板（1μl）比大体积（3μl）模板扩增效果好。     

Male amelogenin dropouts: phylogenetic context, origins and implications

Several commercial PCR multiplex kits incorporate the amelogenin locus for the purpose of human gender identification. Consequently, erroneous results in the electropherogram profile of this locus can carry important forensic implications. In this study, dropout of the amelogenin Y allele was detected in 5 out of 77 phenotypically normal Kathmandu males using the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit. A battery of male-specific markers including SNPs, STRs, STSs, and a minisatellite were amplified for the five amelogenin null samples in order to delineate the breakpoints of the deletions as well as assess the overall integrity of the Y-chromosome. This study represents the first to examine the haplogroup affiliation of the AMGY deletions. The analyses performed suggest a single origin for the five deletions as indicated by their allocation to a specific Y-haplogroup (J2b2-M241), related Y-STR haplotypes and identical regional localization of breakpoints. The age estimated from the microsatellite variation for the amelogenin deletions (if they are associated by descent) is approximately 6.5+/-3.3 ky, younger than the previously reported related age of the M241 haplogroup representatives (13-14 ky). Our data in combination with previous publications suggest a concentration of afflicted individuals in the Indian subcontinent, possibly as a result of common ancestry. The elevated incidence of the amelogenin dropout in these populations accentuates the need to utilize other loci for gender determination in order to obtain an accurate set of inclusion criteria in forensic casework.     

Y-SNP-genotyping - a new approach in forensic analysis

Y-chromosomal DNA polymorphisms, especially Y-STRs are well established in forensic routine case work. The STRs are used for identification in paternity deficiency cases and stain analysis with complicate mixtures of male and female DNA. In contrast, Y-chromosomal SNPs are a new tool in forensic investigations. At present, Y-SNPs are mainly used in molecular anthropology for evolutionary studies. Nevertheless, these markers could also provide very useful information for the analysis of forensic cases. The aim of the presented study was to test Y-SNP-typing for stain analyses using different methods-SNaPshot and MALDI-TOF MS. Both methods are based on the principle of minisequencing. The selected Y-SNP markers are suited to define the most important European haplogroups.     

Challenging DNA: Assessment of a range of genotyping approaches for highly degraded forensic samples

It is common in forensic casework to encounter highly degraded DNA samples from a variety of sources. In this category bone and teeth samples are often the principal source of evidential material for criminal investigations or identification of long-deceased individuals. In these circumstances standard STRs are prone to fail due to their long amplicon sizes (since DNA becomes progressively more fragmented as it degrades). To successfully resolve such cases alternative markers can be used and until recently the only other tool available was mitochondrial DNA, which despite being more resistant to degradation, is much less informative. A rapidly developing approach to analyzing degraded DNA is the typing of loci from short-amplicon PCR products based on markers such as mini-STRs and autosomal SNPs. We have performed an analysis of several cases with naturally degraded DNA using established STRs plus mini-STRs and autosomal SNPs in order to make an objective comparison of the performance of each method using challenging DNA. The main aim was to establish the benefits and drawbacks of each marker set to help the practitioner choose the DNA analysis method most suited to the circumstances of each case.     

STR data for the 15 loci from three minority populations in Guangxi municipality in South China

In this study, allele frequencies for the 15 STRs (D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, TH01, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D19S433, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, D5S818, FGA) included in the AmpFLSTR Identifiler kit were obtained from total of 450 unrelated individuals belonging to three minority populations including Miao (n=141), Yi (n=165) and Hui (n=144) in Guangxi municipality, South China. GENEPOP v3.4 and PowerStats v1.2 was used to analyze the genotype data. This result indicates that the studied STR loci of these three minorities are useful in forensic testing and population genetics studies.     

Next generation sequencing technology in Second World War victim identification

The killings during the Second World War (WWII), with nearly 100,000 victims, is one of the greatest losses of life in Slovenia’s modern history and most of the victims are still buried in hidden mass graves and remain unidentified. Identity, ancestry, and phenotypic SNPs, as well as STR markers are already used for solving various cases with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. In this study, the Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR panel was used to identify the WWII victim that could not be identified with capillary electrophoresis (CE) analyses because limited statistical support was obtained after amplification of autosomal STRs using CE STR kits. Bones and teeth were analysed and compared to family references (nephew and niece on paternal line). Prior to DNA isolation 0.5 g of powder was decalcified. The DNA was purified in a Biorobot EZ1 device. The nuclear DNA of the samples was quantified with the PowerQuant kit. Because the recommended posterior probability (PP) of 99.9% was followed with the goal of high confidence of correct identification, the NGS STR Panel was used, and after the analysis of additional STR loci the statistical calculation showed a PP of 99.99986%, showing that a large enough number of genetic markers were analysed when identifying the skeletal remains of the aunt. PP value endorsed the hypothesis that the tooth and bone samples were from individual related to the family references rather than from unrelated individual. In presented case, NGS technology proved to be a powerful tool for increasing the number of autosomal STRs needed for identification of WWII victims when linear markers cannot be used for comparison and only distant relatives are available for analyses.     

江苏汉族人群30个插入/缺失位点的遗传多态性

目的调查30个插入/缺失(insertion/deletion,In Del)位点在江苏汉族人群中的遗传学信息,评估Investigator~ DIPplex试剂盒的使用价值,并用于指导江苏汉族人群的法医学分析。方法用Investigator~ DIPplex试剂盒对江苏地区305名汉族健康无关个体进行常染色体In Del位点的分型检测,统计分析30个In Del位点的频率数据及遗传学参数。结果 30个In Del位点在江苏汉族人群中的分布均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡,有21个In Del位点的最小等位基因频率大于0.3。多态信息含量为0.089~0.375,个体识别率为0.093~0.500,二联体非父排除率为0.047~0.250,三联体非父排除率为0.046~0.219。30个In Del位点经连锁不平衡分析,各位点之间相互独立,累积个体识别率为1-7.369×10-8,二联体累积非父排除率为0.998 933 978,三联体累积非父排除率为0.997 806 392。除HLD118等5个位点外,群体间Fst值均小于0.06,在群体间差异较小。结论 Investigator~ DIPplex试剂盒中所含有的In Del位点可作为补充遗传标记应用于法医物证学相关检案工作。