A Comparison of Forensic Age Prediction Models Using Data From Four DNA Methylation Technologies

Individual age estimation can be applied to criminal, legal, and anthropological investigations. DNA methylation has been established as the biomarker of choice for age prediction, since it was observed that specific CpG positions in the genome show systematic changes during an individual’s lifetime, with progressive increases or decreases in methylation levels. Subsequently, several forensic age prediction models have been reported, providing average age prediction error ranges of ±3–4 years, using a broad spectrum of technologies and underlying statistical analyses. DNA methylation assessment is not categorical but quantitative. Therefore, the detection platform used plays a pivotal role, since quantitative and semi-quantitative technologies could potentially result in differences in detected DNA methylation levels. In the present study, we analyzed as a shared sample pool, 84 blood-based DNA controls ranging from 18 to 99 years old using four different technologies: EpiTYPER^®, pyrosequencing, MiSeq, and SNaPshot^TM. The DNA methylation levels detected for CpG sites from ELOVL2, FHL2, and MIR29B2 with each system were compared. A restricted three CpG-site age prediction model was rebuilt for each system, as well as for a combination of technologies, based on previous training datasets, and age predictions were calculated accordingly for all the samples detected with the previous technologies. While the DNA methylation patterns and subsequent age predictions from EpiTYPER^®, pyrosequencing, and MiSeq systems are largely comparable for the CpG sites studied, SNaPshot^TM gives bigger differences reflected in higher predictive errors. However, these differences can be reduced by applying a z-score data transformation.

Systematic meta-analyses, field synopsis and global assessment of the evidence of genetic association studies in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To provide an understanding of the role of common genetic variations in colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, we report an updated field synopsis and comprehensive assessment of evidence to catalogue all genetic markers for CRC (CRCgene2).

DESIGN

We included 869 publications after parallel literature review and extracted data for 1063 polymorphisms in 303 different genes. Meta-analyses were performed for 308 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 158 different genes with at least three independent studies available for analysis. Scottish, Canadian and Spanish data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were incorporated for the meta-analyses of 132 SNPs. To assess and classify the credibility of the associations, we applied the Venice criteria and Bayesian False-Discovery Probability (BFDP). Genetic associations classified as 'positive' and 'less-credible positive' were further validated in three large GWAS consortia conducted in populations of European origin.

RESULTS

We initially identified 18 independent variants at 16 loci that were classified as 'positive' polymorphisms for their highly credible associations with CRC risk and 59 variants at 49 loci that were classified as 'less-credible positive' SNPs; 72.2% of the 'positive' SNPs were successfully replicated in three large GWASs and the ones that were not replicated were downgraded to 'less-credible' positive (reducing the 'positive' variants to 14 at 11 loci). For the remaining 231 variants, which were previously reported, our meta-analyses found no evidence to support their associations with CRC risk.

CONCLUSION

The CRCgene2 database provides an updated list of genetic variants related to CRC risk by using harmonised methods to assess their credibility.

Efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant chemotherapy on colorectal cancer patients: how much influence from the genetics?

We studied the predictive value for response and toxicity of functional polymorphisms in genes involved in the oxaliplatin/fluorouracil pathway in colorectal cancer patients. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) patients were treated with curative intended surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) regimen. The median age was 65.53 (27-80) years (66.9% male, 59.1% rectum). The median follow-up was 8.5 years (IQR, 4.1-9.4). At the end of follow-up, 59 patients (46.5%) had relapsed or died in the whole study population. We did find that XRCC1GG genotype is associated with a higher risk of developing haematologic toxicity. Furthermore, we report a significant association of the TS 3'UTR 6 bp/6 bp polymorphism and the XRCC1 rs25487 with a higher risk of developing anaemia and diarrhoea, respectively. On the other hand, none of the studied polymorphisms showed clinically relevant association with disease-free survival and overall survival or early failure to adjuvant FOLFOX therapy.

Looking into the genetic bases of OCD dimensions: a pilot genome-wide association study

The multidimensional nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been consistently reported. Clinical and biological characteristics have been associated with OCD dimensions in different ways. Studies suggest the existence of specific genetic bases for the different OCD dimensions. In this study, we analyze the genomic markers, genes, gene ontology and biological pathways associated with the presence of aggressive/checking, symmetry/order, contamination/cleaning, hoarding, and sexual/religious symptoms, as assessed via the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS) in 399 probands. Logistic regression analyses were performed at the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level. Gene-based and enrichment analyses were carried out for common (SNPs) and rare variants. No SNP was associated with any dimension at a genome-wide level (p < 5 × 10^-8). Gene-based analyses showed one gene to be associated with hoarding (SETD3, p = 1.89 × 10^-08); a gene highly expressed in the brain and which plays a role in apoptotic processes and transcriptomic changes, and another gene associated with aggressive symptoms (CPE; p = 4.42 × 10^-6), which is involved in neurotrophic functions and the synthesis of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Different pathways or biological processes were represented by genes associated with aggressive (zinc ion response and lipid metabolism), order (lipid metabolism), sexual/religious (G protein-mediated processes) and hoarding (metabolic processes and anion transport) symptoms after FDR correction; while no pathway was associated with contamination. Specific genomic bases were found for each dimension assessed, especially in the enrichment analyses. Further research with larger samples and different techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, are needed to better understand the differential genetics of OCD dimensions.

Genetic variants of uncertain significance: How to match scientific rigour and standard of proof in sudden cardiac death?

In many SCD cases, in particular in pediatric age, autopsy can be completely negative and then a post-mortem genetic testing (molecular autopsy) is indicated. In NGS era finding new/rare variants is extremely frequent and, when only variants of unknown significance are found, molecular autopsy fails to find a cause of death. We describe the emblematic case of the sudden death of a 7-year-old girl. We performed a full-body micro-CT analysis, an accurate autopsy, a serum tryptase test and toxicological tests. Since the only macroscopic abnormality we found was a myocardial bridging (length: 1,1 cm, thickness: 0,5 cm) of the left anterior descending coronary artery, a molecular autopsy has been performed. NGS analysis on victim DNA detected rare variants in DPP6, MYH7, SCN2B and NOTCH1 and segregation analysis was then achieved. On the basis of ACMG/AMP (clinical) guidelines, all the found variants were classified as of unknown significance. In other words, both the macroscopic and genetic anomalies we found were of uncertain significance and then the autopsy failed to find the cause of the death. Our case raises three main discussion points: (a) economical, ethical and legal limitations of genetic investigation; (b) risk that genetic testing does not succeed in finding a certain cause of the death; (c) absence of specific guidelines to face the problem of VUS in forensic cases.

Exploring genetic variants in obsessive compulsive disorder severity: A GWAS approach

BACKGROUND

The severity of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) varies significantly among probands. No study has specifically investigated the genetic base of OCD severity. A previous study from our group found an OCD polygenic risk score to predict pre- and post-treatment severity. This study explores the genomic bases of OCD severity.

METHODS

We administered the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to 401 patients at their first visit to our clinic to measure their OCD severity. Genotyping data was collected by using the Infinium PsychArray-24 BeadChip kit (Illumina). We analyzed genetic association with OCD severity in a linear regression analysis at single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)- and gene-levels, this last also considering rare variants. Enrichment analyses were performed from gene-based analyses' results.

RESULTS

No SNP reached significant association (p < 10^-8) with the YBOCS. Six markers showed suggestive association (p < 10^-5). The top SNP was an intergenic variant in chromosome 2: rs7578149 (p < 1.89 × 10^-6), located in a region suggestively associated with MDD. Linkage disequilibrium was found for two clusters of SNPs located between SLC16A14 and SP110 in chromosome 2, all of them forming one peak of association. Enrichment analyses revealed OCD genes to be associated with porin activity (FDR = 0.01) and transmembrane structure (FDR = 0.04).

LIMITATIONS

The size of the sample and the transversal nature of the severity measure are limitations of this study.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to better characterize OCD at an individual level, helping to know more about the prognosis of the disorder and develop more individualized treatments.

A multicentre prospective study evaluating the impact of proton-pump inhibitors omeprazole and pantoprazole on voriconazole plasma concentrations

Voriconazole is an antifungal metabolised by CYP2C19 enzyme, which can be inhibited by proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). A prospective observational study was carried out to determine the influence of PPIs on voriconazole pharmacokinetic. The 78 patients included were divided into 4 groups: omeprazole (n = 32), pantoprazole (n = 25), esomeprazole (n = 3) and no PPI (n = 18). Patients with no PPI had no significant difference in plasma voriconazole concentration when compared with those with PPI (2.63 ± 2.13 μg/mL [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.57-3.69] vs 2.11 ± 1.73 μg/mL [95%CI 1.67-2.55], P > .05). However, voriconazole plasma concentration was significantly lower in patients treated with pantoprazole vs those treated with omeprazole (1.44 ± 1.22 μg/mL [95%CI 0.94-1.94) vs 2.67 ± 1.88 μg/mL [95%CI 2.02-3.32], P = .013) suggesting a greater CYP2C19 enzyme inhibitory effect of omeprazole. This study demonstrates the greater CYP inhibition capacity of omeprazole and should be helpful for the choice of PPIs for patients treated with voriconazole.

Executive impairments in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A systematic review with emotional and non-emotional paradigms

Precedent: Impairments in executive functioning may be associated with compulsive symptoms in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory in OCD patients, using emotional and non-emotional paradigms.

METHOD

we reviewed research published in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, Scielo, and ProQuest Psychology databases, from January 2008 to April 2019. The review followed a two-stage process. In the first stage, we selected only studies using neutral stimuli paradigms, while in the second we selected executive-emotional paradigms.

RESULTS

The first stage of the review provided 16 final results, while the second stage, with emotional stimuli, provided 3 results.

CONCLUSIONS

There is some initial evidence for the existence of executive impairments in OCD, as expressed in the performance and/or processing of working memory inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. There is also initial evidence that these latter two could be modulated by the presentation or mental representation of negative valence stimuli or images, as well as the presence of aversive contingencies.

Sudden infant death as the most severe phenotype caused by genetic modulation in a family with atrial fibrillation

AIMS

To assess the functional impact of two combined KCNH2 variants involved in atrial fibrillation, syncope and sudden infant death syndrome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genetic testing of a 4-month old SIDS victim identified a rare missense heterozygous in KCNH2 variant (V483I) and a missense homozygous polymorphism (K897T) which is often described as a genetic modifier. Electrophysiological characterisation of heterologous HERG channels representing two different KCNH2 genotypes within the family, showed significant differences in both voltage and time dependence of activation and inactivation with a global gain-of-function effect of mutant versus wild type channels and, also, differences between both types of recombinant channels.

CONCLUSIONS

The rare variant V483I in combination with K897T produces a gain-of-function effect that represents a pathological substrate for atrial fibrillation, syncope and sudden infant death syndrome events in this family. Ascertaining the genotype-phenotype correlation of genetic variants is imperative for the correct assessment of genetic testing and counselling.

TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

According to the current guidelines for clinical interpretation of sequence variants, functional studies are an essential tool for the ascertainment of variant pathogenicity. They are especially relevant in the context of sudden infant death syndrome and sudden cardiac death, where individuals cannot be clinically evaluated. The patch-clamp technique is a gold-standard for analysis of the biophysical mechanisms of ion channels.

Genome-wide association analysis of dementia and its clinical endophenotypes reveal novel loci associated with Alzheimer's disease and three causality networks: The GR@ACE project

INTRODUCTION

Large variability among Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases might impact genetic discoveries and complicate dissection of underlying biological pathways.

METHODS

Genome Research at Fundacio ACE (GR@ACE) is a genome-wide study of dementia and its clinical endophenotypes, defined based on AD's clinical certainty and vascular burden. We assessed the impact of known AD loci across endophenotypes to generate loci categories. We incorporated gene coexpression data and conducted pathway analysis per category. Finally, to evaluate the effect of heterogeneity in genetic studies, GR@ACE series were meta-analyzed with additional genome-wide association study data sets.

RESULTS

We classified known AD loci into three categories, which might reflect the disease clinical heterogeneity. Vascular processes were only detected as a causal mechanism in probable AD. The meta-analysis strategy revealed the ANKRD31-rs4704171 and NDUFAF6-rs10098778 and confirmed SCIMP-rs7225151 and CD33-rs3865444.

DISCUSSION

The regulation of vasculature is a prominent causal component of probable AD. GR@ACE meta-analysis revealed novel AD genetic signals, strongly driven by the presence of clinical heterogeneity in the AD series.

Development and validation of the EUROFORGEN NAME (North African and Middle Eastern) ancestry panel

Inference of biogeographic origin is an important factor in clinical, population and forensic genetics. The information provided by AIMs (Ancestry Informative Markers) can allow the differentiation of major continental population groups, and several AIM panels have been developed for this purpose. However, from these major population groups, Eurasia covers a wide area between two continents that is difficult to differentiate genetically. These populations display a gradual genetic cline from West Europe to South Asia in terms of allele frequency distribution. Although differences have been reported between Europe and South Asia, Middle East populations continue to be a target of further investigations due to the lack of genetic variability, therefore hampering their genetic differentiation from neighboring populations. In the present study, a custom-built ancestry panel was developed to analyze North African and Middle Eastern populations, designated the 'NAME' panel. The NAME panel contains 111 SNPs that have patterns of allele frequency differentiation that can distinguish individuals originating in North Africa and the Middle East when combined with a previous set of 126 Global AIM-SNPs.

Association of GSTP1 and ERCC1 polymorphisms with toxicity in locally advanced head and neck cancer platinum-based chemoradiotherapy treatment

BACKGROUND

Platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous-cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and most patients experience serious toxicities. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between candidate genes involved in radiation/platinum pathways and acute toxicity of CRT to determine the predictive value of these polymorphisms for toxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-six selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 29 genes were genotyped in 110 patients treated with cisplatin-based CRT. DNA was obtained from blood samples, and SNP analysis was performed using a MassARRAY iPLEX Gold (Sequenom) method.

RESULTS

Patients with ERCC1 rs11615-C allele (P = .0066), ERCC1 rs735482-C allele (P = .0204), and ERCC4 rs1799801-C allele (P = .0286) had lower risk of grade 2-3 hematologic toxicity. In addition, the presence of G allele of GSTP1 was associated with a significantly lower risk of severe dysphagia (P = .0004).

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms in ERCC1 and GSTP1 may act as prognostic factors of acute toxicity during treatment with CRT in HNSCC patients.

Genetic meta-analysis of diagnosed Alzheimer's disease identifies new risk loci and implicates Aβ, tau, immunity and lipid processing

Risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), the most prevalent dementia, is partially driven by genetics. To identify LOAD risk loci, we performed a large genome-wide association meta-analysis of clinically diagnosed LOAD (94,437 individuals). We confirm 20 previous LOAD risk loci and identify five new genome-wide loci (IQCK, ACE, ADAM10, ADAMTS1, and WWOX), two of which (ADAM10, ACE) were identified in a recent genome-wide association (GWAS)-by-familial-proxy of Alzheimer's or dementia. Fine-mapping of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region confirms the neurological and immune-mediated disease haplotype HLA-DR15 as a risk factor for LOAD. Pathway analysis implicates immunity, lipid metabolism, tau binding proteins, and amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism, showing that genetic variants affecting APP and Aβ processing are associated not only with early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease but also with LOAD. Analyses of risk genes and pathways show enrichment for rare variants (P = 1.32 × 10-7), indicating that additional rare variants remain to be identified. We also identify important genetic correlations between LOAD and traits such as family history of dementia and education.

Do polygenic risk and stressful life events predict pharmacological treatment response in obsessive compulsive disorder? A gene-environment interaction approach

The rate of response to pharmacological treatment in Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) oscillates between 40 and 70%. Genetic and environmental factors have been associated with treatment response in OCD. This study analyzes the predictive ability of a polygenic risk score (PRS) built from OCD-risk variants, for treatment response in OCD, and the modulation role of stressful life events (SLEs) at the onset of the disorder. PRSs were calculated for a sample of 103 patients. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) scores were obtained before and after a 12-week treatment. Regression analyses were performed to analyze the influence of the PRS and SLEs at onset on treatment response. PRS did not predict treatment response. The best predictive model for post-treatment YBOCS (post YBOCS) included basal YBOCS and age. PRS appeared as a predictor for basal and post YBOCS. SLEs at onset were not a predictor for treatment response when included in the regression model. No evidence for PRS predictive ability for treatment response was found. The best predictor for treatment response was age, agreeing with previous literature specific for SRI treatment. Suggestions are made on the possible role of neuroplasticity as a mediator on this association. PRS significantly predicted OCD severity independent on pharmacological treatment. SLE at onset modulation role was not evidenced. Further research is needed to elucidate the genetic and environmental bases of treatment response in OCD.

Novel truncating variants expand the phenotypic spectrum of KAT6B-related disorders

Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS) and Genitopatellar syndrome (GTPTS) are very rare conditions caused by KAT6B truncating variants. Because of both syndromes often share common features the associated phenotypes are usually grouped under the term "KAT6B-related disorders." However, particular signs of each syndrome have been reported and their appearance seems to be dependent on where the KAT6B variant is located. Thus, whereas truncating variants associated with SBBYSS have their highest density in the distal part of exon 18, those resulting in GTPTS are distributed between the end of exon 17 and beginning of exon 18. Here, we reported two de novo heterozygous KAT6B truncating variants. The first variant (c.5802delA; p.A1935Pfs*16), identified in a boy with SSBYSS phenotype, resulting in the most distal KAT6B truncating variant reported up-to-date in the scientific literature. The second variant (c.3152delG; p.S1051Tfs*63), located in a region hitherto defined as specific of SBBYSS, seems to cause an overlapping SBBYSS/GTPTS phenotype. The clinical and genetic characterization of these patients could contribute to the understanding of the KAT6B-related disorders.

Congenital hyperinsulinism in two siblings with ABCC8 mutation: same genotype, different phenotypes

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a heterogenous disease caused by insulin secretion regulatory defects, being ABCC8/KCNJ11 the most commonly affected genes. Therapeutic options include diazoxide, somatostatin analogues and surgery, which is curative in focal CHI. We report the case of two siblings (born two years apart) that presented themselves with hypoketotic hyperinsulinemic persistent hypoglycemias during neonatal period. The diagnosis of diffuse CHI due to an ABCC8 compound mutation (c.3576delG and c.742C>T) was concluded. They did not benefit from diazoxide therapy (or pancreatectomy performed in patient number 1) yet responded to somatostatin analogues. Patient number 1 developed various neurological deficits (including epilepsy), however patient number 2 experienced an entirely normal neurodevelopment. We believe this case shows how previous knowledge of the firstborn sibling's disease contributed to a better and timelier medical care in patient number 2, which could potentially explain her better neurological outcome despite their same genotype.

FKBP5 polymorphisms and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis negative feedback in major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both been linked to abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Polymorphisms in the genes involved in HPA axis activity, such as FKBP5, and their interactions with childhood trauma have been associated with stress-related mental disorders. Our goal was to study the role of FKBP5 genetic variants in HPA axis negative feedback regulation as a possible risk factor for different mental disorders such as MDD and OCD, while controlling for childhood trauma, anxiety and depressive symptoms. The sample included 266 participants divided into three groups: 1) MDD (n = 89 [n = 73 melancholic; n = 3 atypical]), 2) OCD (n = 51; 39% with comorbid MDD [n = 13 melancholic; n = 7 atypical]) and 3) healthy controls (n = 126). Childhood trauma, trait anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed. HPA negative feedback was analyzed using the dexamethasone suppression test ratio (DSTR) after administration of 0.25 mg of dexamethasone. Twelve SNPs in the FKBP5 gene were selected for genotyping. Multiple linear regressions, after adjusting for the covariates considered, showed a reduced DSTR in individuals with the rs9470079-A variant that was significant after correction for multiple testing. Childhood trauma did not moderate the association between the rs9470079 and DSTR. Our results support the evidence that FKBP5 genetic variation could lead to abnormal HPA axis negative feedback independent of diagnosis. Therefore, this association can be identified as a transdiagnostic feature, offering an interesting opportunity to identify patients with higher stress vulnerability. Further studies focusing on the influence of FKBP5 on measurable biological endophenotypes are needed.

Identification of putative second genetic hits in schizophrenia carriers of high-risk copy number variants and resequencing in additional samples

Copy number variants (CNVs) conferring risk of schizophrenia present incomplete penetrance, suggesting the existence of second genetic hits. Identification of second hits may help to find genes with rare variants of susceptibility to schizophrenia. The aim of this work was to search for second hits of moderate/high risk in schizophrenia carriers of risk CNVs and resequencing of the relevant genes in additional samples. To this end, ten patients with risk CNVs at cytobands 15q11.2, 15q11.2-13.1, 16p11.2, or 16p13.11, were subjected to whole-exome sequencing. Rare single nucleotide variants, defined as those absent from main public databases, were classified according to bioinformatic prediction of pathogenicity by CADD scores. The average number of rare predicted pathogenic variants per sample was 13.6 (SD 2.01). Two genes, BFAR and SYNJ1, presented rare predicted pathogenic variants in more than one sample. Follow-up resequencing of these genes in 432 additional cases and 432 controls identified a significant excess of rare predicted pathogenic variants in case samples at SYNJ1. Taking into account its function in clathrin-mediated synaptic vesicle endocytosis at presynaptic terminals, our results suggest an impairment of this process in schizophrenia.

Towards broadening Forensic DNA Phenotyping beyond pigmentation: Improving the prediction of head hair shape from DNA

Human head hair shape, commonly classified as straight, wavy, curly or frizzy, is an attractive target for Forensic DNA Phenotyping and other applications of human appearance prediction from DNA such as in paleogenetics. The genetic knowledge underlying head hair shape variation was recently improved by the outcome of a series of genome-wide association and replication studies in a total of 26,964 subjects, highlighting 12 loci of which 8 were novel and introducing a prediction model for Europeans based on 14 SNPs. In the present study, we evaluated the capacity of DNA-based head hair shape prediction by investigating an extended set of candidate SNP predictors and by using an independent set of samples for model validation. Prediction model building was carried out in 9674 subjects (6068 from Europe, 2899 from Asia and 707 of admixed European and Asian ancestries), used previously, by considering a novel list of 90 candidate SNPs. For model validation, genotype and phenotype data were newly collected in 2415 independent subjects (2138 Europeans and 277 non-Europeans) by applying two targeted massively parallel sequencing platforms, Ion Torrent PGM and MiSeq, or the MassARRAY platform. A binomial model was developed to predict straight vs. non-straight hair based on 32 SNPs from 26 genetic loci we identified as significantly contributing to the model. This model achieved prediction accuracies, expressed as AUC, of 0.664 in Europeans and 0.789 in non-Europeans; the statistically significant difference was explained mostly by the effect of one EDAR SNP in non-Europeans. Considering sex and age, in addition to the SNPs, slightly and insignificantly increased the prediction accuracies (AUC of 0.680 and 0.800, respectively). Based on the sample size and candidate DNA markers investigated, this study provides the most robust, validated, and accurate statistical prediction models and SNP predictor marker sets currently available for predicting head hair shape from DNA, providing the next step towards broadening Forensic DNA Phenotyping beyond pigmentation traits.