Complex mixtures: A critical examination of a paper by Homer et al.

DNA evidence in criminal cases may be challenging to interpret if several individuals have contributed to a DNA-mixture. The genetic markers conventionally used for forensic applications may be insufficient to resolve cases where there is a small fraction of DNA (say less than 10%) from some contributors or where there are several (say more than 4) contributors. Recently methods have been proposed that claim to substantially improve on existing approaches [1]. The basic idea is to use high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays including as many as 500,000 markers or more and explicitly exploit raw allele intensity measures. It is claimed that trace fractions of less than 0.1% can be reliably detected in mixtures with a large number of contributors. Specific forensic issues pertaining to the amount and quality of DNA are not discussed in the paper and will not be addressed here. Rather our paper critically examines the statistical methods and the validity of the conclusions drawn in Homer et al. (2008) [1].We provide a mathematical argument showing that the suggested statistical approach will give misleading results for important cases. For instance, for a two person mixture an individual contributing less than 33% is expected to be declared a non-contributor. The quoted threshold 33% applies when all relative allele frequencies are 0.5. Simulations confirmed the mathematical findings and also provide results for more complex cases. We specified several scenarios for the number of contributors, the mixing proportions and allele frequencies and simulated as many as 500,000 SNPs.A controlled, blinded experiment was performed using the Illumina GoldenGate^® 360 SNP test panel. Twenty-five mixtures were created from 2 to 5 contributors with proportions ranging from 0.01 to 0.99. The findings were consistent with the mathematical result and the simulations.We conclude that it is not possible to reliably infer the presence of minor contributors to mixtures following the approach suggested in Homer et al. (2008) [1]. The basic problem is that the method fails to account for mixing proportions.     

福尔马林固定组织SNP与STR检测的比较

目的检测经长期福尔马林固定的组织降解情况,并比较组织中SNP与STR的检出率。方法本文对24例经福尔马林固定、-20℃保存5年的组织样本,采用Quantifiler?Trio DNA定量试剂盒检测样本DNA的降解系数及浓度,运用55-SNPs SNa Pshot复合分型体系和Power Plex?21试剂盒分别进行SNP与STR检测。结果大部分样本降解系数在1~8,发生不同程度的降解。与未降解样本相比,SNP分型完全一致,检出率为100%;其中8例样本STR分型存在33个等位基因丢失,降解系数均大于2.6,且75.8%的等位基因片段长度大于300bp。当样本检测出16个STR基因座时,似然率与54个SNP相当。当样本检出大于17个STR时,似然率大于54个SNP。STR基因座片段长度与等位基因检出率之间呈负相关。除2例样本降解系数较小却发生等位基因丢失外,其余样本降解系数与等位基因检出率之间呈负相关。结论经福尔马林长期固定的组织DNA易降解,检测SNP明显优于STR,但需要更多的SNP以提高个体识别能力。     

二代测序技术在法医学中的应用

随着二代测序技术的快速发展,其高通量和低成本在生命科学领域应用广泛,测序的通量更高,测序时间和成本不断下降,使得其被广泛应用于微生物研究、古DNA研究、临床诊断、法医学研究等。本文阐述了二代测序技术平台及其遗传标记在法医学中的应用,包括STR分型、SNP分型、HLA基因型预测以及在降解检材中的应用等。     

Additional predictions for forensic DNA phenotyping of externally visible characteristics using the ForenSeq and Imagen kits

Multiplex DNA typing methods using massively parallel sequencing can be used to predict externally visible characteristics (EVCs) in forensic DNA phenotyping through the analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The focus of EVC determination has focused on hair color, eye color, and skin tone as well as visible biogeographical ancestry features. In this study, we researched off-label applications beyond what is currently marketed by the manufacturer of the Verogen ForenSeq kit primer set B and Imagen primer set E SNP loci. We investigated additional EVC predictions by examining published genome wide sequencing studies and reported allele-specific gene expression and predictive values. We have identified 15 SNPs included in the ForenSeq kit panel and Imagen kits that have additional EVC prediction capabilities beyond what is published in the Verogen manuals. The additional EVCs that can be predicted include hair graying, ephelides hyperpigmented spots, dermatoheliosis, facial pigmented spots, standing height, pattern balding, helix-rolling ear morphology, hair shape, hair thickness, facial morphology, eyebrow thickness, sarcoidosis, obesity, vitiligo, and tanning propensity. The loci can be used to augment and refine phenotype predictions with software such as MetaHuman for missing persons, cold case, and historic case investigations.     

Identification of a novel polymorphism in the X-chromosome region homologous to the DYS456 locus

During an extensive multipopulation study with Y-short tandem repeat (STR) loci, amplified using the AmpFlSTR Yfiler PCR amplification kit, amplification of a 71 bp fragment was observed in 2.32% of the male samples analyzed (N = 3141). By direct sequencing of this fragment, it was determined that the primer binding sequences were identical to those of the DYS456 locus. A T to G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) enabled amplification of the 71 bp fragment. The SNP is located within an X-Y homologous region at Xq21.31 and was observed with the highest frequency within the African American and Sub-Saharan African populations in our study. Presence of SNP on the X chromosome did not interfere with the reliability of typing the DYS456 locus and the other Y-STR loci typeable using the AmpFlSTR Yfiler PCR amplification kit. Full profiles in a mixture of male:female at 1:4000 were obtained using the current configuration of the AmpFlSTR Yfiler kit even in the presence of female DNA containing the G variant.     

微测序技术检测12个Y—SNP及其遗传多态性

目的应用SNaPshotKit对Y染色体上12个SNP位点进行快速而准确的检测,对四川地区78个汉族男性无关个体进行群体遗传学研究,并对陈旧骨骼和性犯罪案件的相关物证进行检验。方法对SRY2627、SRY1532、M13、M20、SRY8299、Tat、M69及M9、92R7、M17、M19、M112两组共12个Y-SNP位点进行复合扩增,PCR产物经纯化处理后,采用SNaPshotKit试剂结合毛细管电泳技术对单核苷酸多态性进行检测。结果建立了12个Y-SNP位点的微测序快速检测系统,在四川地区人群中发现M9、SRY8299二个位点存在变异。结论复合扩增结合微测序技术能够同时对多个Y-SNP的多态性进行快速而准确的检测,建立的检测系统在法医学个体识别中具有应用价值。     

Paternity investigation experience with a 40 autosomal SNP panel

With both the SNPforID and the Kidd panels of autosomal SNPs available, we selected the 40 most informative and population-independent SNPs from both these sets for evaluation in paternity testing and as a prelude for forensic human identification.We used the published primer sequences and constructed PCR multiplexes for genotyping using the SNaPshot assay. Fifty trios and 50 duos previously analysed using conventional autosomal STR markers were re-analysed using the 40 SNPs. We report our findings regarding the practical use of these markers including unexpected mutations which impacted significantly on the use of this panel.     

Internal validation of 29 autosomal SNP multiplex using a ABI 310 genetic analyser

In the last few years genetic identification and paternity testing have begun to make increasing use of autosomal SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) typing as a supplement or alternative to STR analysis. With the improvement in detection technology SNP analysis is likely to be easier and more sensitive, with the generation of new methods and multiplex systems for a growing array of SNP markers. SNPforID consortium developed 52 SNP PCR multiplex for human identification purposes detected with 23 plex and 29 plex single base extension reactions (Auto1 and 2 respectively). In this study, internal validation for the 29 SNPs of Auto2 was carried out by performing a 29 plex PCR and single base extension reaction on control samples and previously analyzed forensic casework and subsequent detection with an AB 310 Genetic Analyzer. We tested the accuracy, precision, sensitivity and reproducibility of the Auto2 multiplex with this instrument in our laboratory. We used 9947A control DNA samples of the AmpF?STR Identifiler™ kit to test the validation parameters together with non-probative DNA samples from whole blood and buccal swab samples of 29 healthy donors from different parts of Istanbul. Good results were obtained but interpretation of the peak patterns obtained on the AB 310 requires care and thorough optimization before they can be readily compard to those obtained from multiple capillary AB 31xx Analyzers. We succesfully optimized and validated the SNPforID Auto2 multiplex system for identification analyses in our laboratory.     

Probabilistic SNP genotyping at low DNA concentrations

We present a statistical method for biallelic SNP genotyping that reduces the risk of wrong SNP calls and gives fewer no-calls. The method uses a symmetric multinomial logistic regression model with an intuitive graphical interpretation. Its probabilistic nature gives the user control over the accepted risk through the estimated genotype probabilities. We compared the performance of our method with the HID SNP Genotyper v.4.3.1 plug-in (HSG) (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and the additional criteria of the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) through a series of six DNA dilutions from 500 pg to 16 pg DNA. The HSG method made wrong calls from 62.5 pg DNA and below, while the UCPH method made wrong calls at 16 pg DNA. Our method allowed SNP genotyping of 16 pg DNA without making wrong calls. Depending on the DNA dilution, our method also reduced the number of no-calls by 70–96 % compared to UCPH method and 59–69 % compared to the HSG method. Our method can be used for any biallelic genotyping.     

用ESI-TOF-MS分型技术检测线粒体DNA高变区碱基组成的多态性

目的 用ESI-TOF-MS分型技术检测线粒体DNA的D环高变区,通过碱基组成分析其多态性.方法 在PLEX-ID技术平台上,分别对mtDNA高变区1(HVⅠ,15924-16428nt)和mtDNA高变区Ⅱ(HVⅡ,31-576 nt)进行碱基组成分析,考察mtDNA在华东汉族人群的多态性,并将该技术应用于一例特殊的亲子鉴定案件.结果 用ESI-TOF-MS分型技术检测线粒体DNA,在高变区Ⅰ的8个区段检见碱基组成的多态性,在mtDNA高变区Ⅱ的10个区段检见多态性.在所应用的亲子鉴定案例中,线粒体DNA标记成了常染色体STR基因座的重要补充,经高变区Ⅰ和高变区Ⅱ的碱基组成检测,最后排除了非母.结论 ESI-TOF-MS检测mtDNA的技术具有良好的应用前景,在一些特殊的案件中,该法可为最终获得可靠鉴定结论提供技术支撑.