1
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Agudo MM, Fantinato C, Roseth A, Aanes H, Gill P, Fonneløp AE, Bleka Ø. A comparison of likelihood ratios calculated from surface DNA mixtures using MPS and CE Technologies. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 73:103111. [PMID: 39128429 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluates the performance of analysing surface DNA samples using massively parallel sequencing (MPS) compared to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE). A total of 30 samples were collected from various surfaces in an office environment and were analysed with CE and MPS. These were compared against 60 reference samples (office inhabitants). To identify contributors, likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated for MPS and CE data using the probabilistic genotyping software MPSproto and EuroForMix respectively. Although a higher number of sequences/peaks were observed per DNA profile in MPS compared to CE, LR values were found to be lower for MPS data formats. This might be the result of the increased complexity of MPS data, along with a possible elevation of unknown alleles and/or artefacts. The study highlights avenues for improving MPS data quality and analysis to facilitate more robust interpretation of challenging casework-like samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Martin Agudo
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Chiara Fantinato
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Roseth
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvard Aanes
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Gill
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Øyvind Bleka
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Sharma V, Wurmbach E. Systematic evaluation of the Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR panel v2 using single-source samples of various quantity and quality and mixed DNA samples. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 69:102995. [PMID: 38065030 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) techniques were developed approximately 15 years ago. Meanwhile, several MPS kits for forensic identification, phenotypic information, ancestry, and mitochondrial DNA analysis have been developed and their use has been established. Sequencing short tandem repeats (STRs) has certain advantages over the currently used length-based genotyping methods, which are based on PCR amplification followed by capillary electrophoresis (CE). MPS is more discriminative and includes the possibility of testing high numbers of targets (> 100), different types of markers [STRs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)], as well as the use of smaller amplicons (< 300 bp). This study evaluated in 24 experimental runs the Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR panel v2 from ThermoFisher, which targets 31 autosomal STRs, amelogenin, and three Y-markers (one STR, SRY, and Yindel). Single-source samples were used in 18 experimental runs, for systematic evaluation. These included assessing library preparation benchmark conditions, limited DNA input, as well as testing repeatability, number of samples per run, and degraded DNA samples. Full profiles were consistently obtained from as little as 50 pg DNA input. Using the optional recovery PCR method improved outcomes for samples with low DNA input. Full profiles were also obtained from severely degraded DNA samples with degradation indices (DI) of > 60. In addition, six experimental runs were performed testing various two-person mixtures with mixture ratios ranging from 1:20 to 20:1. Major and minor contributors were distinguishable by their read counts (coverage), because less DNA input yielded lower read counts, analogous to the traditional CE technology, where less DNA produces lower peak heights. Mixture ratios of approximately 1:1 were indistinguishable, while a greater imbalance, i.e., higher mixture ratios, made the mixture more distinguishable between major and minor contributors. Based on this information, the highest success rate of correctly deconvoluted four-allelic loci was from mixtures with 1:3 ratios. At higher mixture ratios, the drop-out rate of the minor contributor increased, reducing the number of four-allelic loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakha Sharma
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Forensic Biology, 421 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Elisa Wurmbach
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Forensic Biology, 421 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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3
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Budowle B, Arnette A, Sajantila A. A cost-benefit analysis for use of large SNP panels and high throughput typing for forensic investigative genetic genealogy. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1595-1614. [PMID: 37341834 PMCID: PMC10421786 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as massively sequencing, enables large dense SNP panel analyses which generate the genetic component of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). While the costs of implementing large SNP panel analyses into the laboratory system may seem high and daunting, the benefits of the technology may more than justify the investment. To determine if an infrastructural investment in public laboratories and using large SNP panel analyses would reap substantial benefits to society, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was performed. This CBA applied the logic that an increase of DNA profile uploads to a DNA database due to a sheer increase in number of markers and a greater sensitivity of detection afforded with NGS and a higher hit/association rate due to large SNP/kinship resolution and genealogy will increase investigative leads, will be more effective for identifying recidivists which in turn reduces future victims of crime, and will bring greater safety and security to communities. Analyses were performed for worst case/best case scenarios as well as by simulation sampling the range spaces with multiple input values simultaneously to generate best estimate summary statistics. This study shows that the benefits, both tangible and intangible, over the lifetime of an advanced database system would be huge and can be projected to be for less than $1 billion per year (over a 10-year period) investment can reap on average > $4.8 billion in tangible and intangible cost-benefits per year. More importantly, on average > 50,000 individuals need not become victims if FIGG were employed, assuming investigative associations generated were acted upon. The benefit to society is immense making the laboratory investment a nominal cost. The benefits likely are underestimated herein. There is latitude in the estimated costs, and even if they were doubled or tripled, there would still be substantial benefits gained with a FIGG-based approach. While the data used in this CBA are US centric (primarily because data were readily accessible), the model is generalizable and could be used by other jurisdictions to perform relevant and representative CBAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Budowle
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Radford University Forensic Science Institute, Radford University, Radford, VA, USA.
| | - Andrew Arnette
- Department of Business Information Technology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Antti Sajantila
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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4
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Kocsis B, Mátrai N, Egyed B. Forensic Implications of the Discrepancies Caused between NGS and CE Results by New Microvariant Allele at Penta E Microsatellite. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051109. [PMID: 37239469 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Examination of STR markers using the MPS technology is becoming more common in forensic genetics, but scientists still have insufficient experience in dealing with ambiguous results. However, it is always essential to resolve discordant data if we want to use the technology as an accredited method in routine forensic casework. During the internal laboratory validation of the Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel v2 kit, we observed two discrepant genotypes at Penta E locus compared to the previous capillary electrophoresis results. Each NGS software that we applied (i.e., Converge, STRaitRazor and IGV) returned the same 12,14 and 12,16 genotypes in the two samples, respectively, instead of the 11.3,14 and 11.3,16 genotypes previously observed with CE (Capillary electrophoresis) typing. In the case of the length variant 11.3 alleles, traditional Sanger sequencing confirmed a complete twelve repeat unit structure in both samples. However, after sequencing was extended to the flanking regions of the variant alleles, sequence data revealed a two-bases GG deletion downstream of the last TCTTT repeat motif in the forward strand. The determined allele variant has not been previously reported in the scientific literature and highlights the need for a careful evaluation and thorough concordance studies before using NGS STR data in forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Kocsis
- Department of Genetics, Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, 1087 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Mátrai
- Department of Genetics, Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, 1087 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Egyed
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Elwick K, Rydzak P, Robertson JM. Evaluation of Library Preparation Workflows and Applications to Different Sample Types Using the PowerSeq ® 46GY System with Massively Parallel Sequencing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14050977. [PMID: 37239337 DOI: 10.3390/genes14050977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This project evaluated the prototype PowerSeq® 46GY System using donor DNA and casework-type samples. The goal of this study was to determine whether modifications to the manufacturer's protocol could increase read coverage and improve sample results. Buccal and casework-type libraries were prepared using the TruSeq® DNA PCR-Free HT kit or the KAPA HyperPrep kit. Both kits were evaluated unmodified, and by substituting AMPure® XP beads for the beads of the most optimal kit. Two qPCR kits, the PowerSeq® Quant MS System and KAPA Library Quantification Kit, were also evaluated along with a KAPA size-adjustment workbook, which was compared as a third quantification method. Libraries were sequenced using the MiSeq® FGx and data were analyzed with STRait Razor. Results suggested that all three quantification methods overestimated library concentration, but the PowerSeq kit was most accurate. Samples prepared with the TruSeq library kit provided the highest coverage and the fewest instances of dropout and below-threshold alleles compared with the KAPA kit. Additionally, all bone and hair samples demonstrated full profile completeness, with bone samples yielding a higher average coverage than hair samples. Overall, our study demonstrated that the 46GY manufacturer's protocol produced the best quality results compared to alternative library preparation options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyleen Elwick
- Visiting Scientist Program, Research & Support Unit, Laboratory Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - Patrick Rydzak
- Visiting Scientist Program, Research & Support Unit, Laboratory Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - James M Robertson
- Research & Support Unit, Laboratory Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
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Cheng K, Bright JA, Kelly H, Liu YY, Lin MH, Kruijver M, Taylor D, Buckleton J. Developmental validation of STRmix™ NGS, a probabilistic genotyping tool for the interpretation of autosomal STRs from forensic profiles generated using NGS. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 62:102804. [PMID: 36370677 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We describe the developmental validation of the probabilistic genotyping software - STRmix™ NGS - developed for the interpretation of forensic DNA profiles containing autosomal STRs generated using next generation sequencing (NGS) also known as massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies. Developmental validation was carried out in accordance with the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) Guidelines for the Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems and the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) recommendations and included sensitivity and specificity testing, accuracy, precision, and the interpretation of case-types samples. The results of developmental validation demonstrate the appropriateness of the software for the interpretation of profiles developed using NGS technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Cheng
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Jo-Anne Bright
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Hannah Kelly
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Yao-Yuan Liu
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Meng-Han Lin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Maarten Kruijver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Duncan Taylor
- Forensic Science SA, GPO Box 2790, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - John Buckleton
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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7
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Evaluation of the MHSeqTyper47 kit for forensically challenging DNA samples. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 61:102763. [PMID: 35939876 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Microhaplotypes have been highly regarded for forensic mixture DNA deconvolution because they do not experience interference from stutters in the same way as short tandem repeat markers, and they tend to be more polymorphic than single nucleotide polymorphism markers. However, forensic microhaplotype kits have not been reported. The MHSeqTyper47 kit genotypes 47 microhaplotype loci. In this study, MiSeq FGx sequencing metrics for MHSeqTyper47 were presented, and the genotyping accuracy of this kit was examined. The sensitivity of MHSeqTyper47 reached 62.5 pg, and full genotyping results were obtained from degraded DNA samples with degradation indexes ≤ 3.00. Full genotypes were obtained in the presence of 100 ng/μL tannin, 50 μM heme, 25 ng/μL humic acid, and 1.25 μg/μL indigo dye. In DNA mixture studies, a minimum of 31 loci of the minor contributor were correctly genotyped at 1:99 or 99:1 mixing ratios, with the cumulative random matching probability of these loci reaching 4.54 × 10-25. Mixing ratios could be reliably predicted from two-donor DNA mixtures based on the loci with four called alleles. Taken together, these data showed that the MHSeqTyper47 kit was effective for forensically challenging DNA analysis.
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8
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Previderè C, Zupanc T, Zanon M, Fattorini P. Isometric artifacts from polymerase chain reaction‐massively parallel sequencing analysis of short tandem repeat loci: An emerging issue from a new technology? Electrophoresis 2022; 43:1521-1530. [PMID: 35358339 PMCID: PMC9543752 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The recent introduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies in forensics has changed the approach to allelic short tandem repeat (STR) typing because sequencing cloned PCR fragments enables alleles with identical molecular weights to be distinguished based on their nucleotide sequences. Therefore, because PCR fidelity mainly depends on template integrity, new technical issues could arise in the interpretation of the results obtained from the degraded samples. In this work, a set of DNA samples degraded in vitro was used to investigate whether PCR‐MPS could generate “isometric drop‐ins” (IDIs; i.e., molecular products having the same length as the original allele but with a different nucleotide sequence within the repeated units). The Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR panel kit was used to analyze 0.5 and 1 ng of mock samples in duplicate tests (for a total of 16 PCR‐MPS analyses). As expected, several well‐known PCR artifacts (such as allelic dropout, stutters above the threshold) were scored; 95 IDIs with an average occurrence of 5.9 IDIs per test (min: 1, max: 11) were scored as well. In total, IDIs represented one of the most frequent artifacts. The coverage of these IDIs reached up to 981 reads (median: 239 reads), and the ratios with the coverage of the original allele ranged from 0.069 to 7.285 (median: 0.221). In addition, approximately 5.2% of the IDIs showed coverage higher than that of the original allele. Molecular analysis of these artifacts showed that they were generated in 96.8% of cases through a single nucleotide change event, with the C > T transition being the most frequent (85.7%). Thus, in a forensic evaluation of evidence, IDIs may represent an actual issue, particularly when DNA mixtures need to be interpreted because they could mislead the operator regarding the number of contributors. Overall, the molecular features of the IDIs described in this work, as well as the performance of duplicate tests, may be useful tools for managing this new class of artifacts otherwise not detected by capillary electrophoresis technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Carlo Previderè
- Department of Public Health Experimental and Forensic Medicine Section of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Martina Zanon
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Paolo Fattorini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health University of Trieste Trieste Italy
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Tyazhelova TV, Kuznetsova IL, Andreeva TV, Kunizheva SS, Rogaev EI. Application of Massive Parallel Sequencing Technology in Forensics: Comparative Analysis of Sequencing Platforms. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421120127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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10
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Hall CL, Kesharwani RK, Phillips NR, Planz JV, Sedlazeck FJ, Zascavage RR. Accurate profiling of forensic autosomal STRs using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION device. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 56:102629. [PMID: 34837788 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The high variability characteristic of short tandem repeat (STR) markers is harnessed for human identification in forensic genetic analyses. Despite the power and reliability of current typing techniques, sequence-level information both within and around STRs are masked in the length-based profiles generated. Forensic STR typing using next generation sequencing (NGS) has therefore gained attention as an alternative to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE) approaches. In this proof-of-principle study, we evaluate the forensic applicability of the newest and smallest NGS platform available - the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION device. Although nanopore sequencing on the handheld MinION offers numerous advantages, including low startup cost and on-site sample processing, the relatively high error rate and lack of forensic-specific analysis software has prevented accurate profiling across STR panels in previous studies. Here we present STRspy, a streamlined method capable of producing length- and sequence-based STR allele designations from noisy, error-prone third generation sequencing reads. To assess the capabilities of STRspy, seven reference samples (female: n = 2; male: n = 5) were amplified at 15 and 30 PCR cycles using the Promega PowerSeq 46GY System and sequenced on the ONT MinION device in triplicate. Basecalled reads were then processed with STRspy using a custom database containing alleles reported in the STRSeq BioProject NIST 1036 dataset. Resultant STR allele designations and flanking region single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calls were compared to the manufacturer-validated genotypes for each sample. STRspy generated robust and reliable genotypes across all autosomal STR loci amplified with 30 PCR cycles, achieving 100% concordance based on both length and sequence. Furthermore, we were able to identify flanking region SNPs in the 15-cycle dataset with > 90% accuracy. These results demonstrate that when analyzed with STRspy ONT reads can reveal additional variation in and around STR loci depending on read coverage. As the first and only third generation sequencing platform-specific method to successfully profile the entire panel of autosomal STRs amplified by a commercially available multiplex, STRspy significantly increases the feasibility of nanopore sequencing in forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L Hall
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Rupesh K Kesharwani
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicole R Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - John V Planz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Fritz J Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston TX 77030, USA
| | - Roxanne R Zascavage
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Texas at Arlington, 701 S Nedderman Dr, Arlington, TX 76109, USA
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11
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Hölzl-Müller P, Bodner M, Berger B, Parson W. Exploring STR sequencing for forensic DNA intelligence databasing using the Austrian National DNA Database as an example. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2235-2246. [PMID: 34436655 PMCID: PMC8523457 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02685-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, we present the results from a population study that evaluated the performance of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of short tandem repeats (STRs) with a particular focus on DNA intelligence databasing purposes. To meet this objective, 247 randomly selected reference samples, earlier being processed with conventional capillary electrophoretic (CE) STR sizing from the Austrian National DNA Database, were reanalyzed with the PowerSeq 46Y kit (Promega). This sample set provides MPS-based population data valid for the Austrian population to increase the body of sequence-based STR variation. The study addressed forensically relevant parameters, such as concordance and backward compatibility to extant amplicon-based genotypes, sequence-based stutter ratios, and relative marker performance. Of the 22 autosomal STR loci included in the PowerSeq 46GY panel, 99.98% of the allele calls were concordant between MPS and CE. Moreover, 25 new sequence variants from 15 markers were found in the Austrian dataset that are yet undescribed in the STRSeq online catalogue and were submitted for inclusion. Despite the high degree of concordance between MPS and CE derived genotypes, our results demonstrate the need for a harmonized allele nomenclature system that is equally applicable to both technologies, but at the same time can take advantage of the increased information content of MPS. This appears to be particularly important with regard to database applications in order to prevent false exclusions due to varying allele naming based on different analysis platforms and ensures backward compatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Hölzl-Müller
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstrasse 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Bodner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstrasse 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Burkhard Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstrasse 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstrasse 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
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12
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Sharma V, Young B, Armogida L, Khan A, Wurmbach E. Evaluation of ArmedXpert software tools, MixtureAce and Mixture Interpretation, to analyze MPS-STR data. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 56:102603. [PMID: 34673336 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies have revolutionized studies of genomic variations and transformed DNA analysis in multiple fields. Assays based on MPS must be capable of discriminating variations introduced by the method, i.e. artifacts from true polymorphisms. In PCR-MPS methods targeting microsatellite markers, artifacts can arise from PCR mis-incorporation, PCR strand slippage (stutter), and sequencing error. Reliable detection of artifacts in mixed DNA samples is a significant challenge that must be addressed in forensic DNA analysis. The ArmedXpert (NicheVision) software tools, MixtureAce™ and Mixture Interpretation, can analyze MPS data by categorizing sequence reads in alleles, stutter, and non-stutter artifacts and analyzing autosomal STR loci of mixed samples. In this study, we evaluated the ArmedXpert tools for the analysis of STR profiles of single-sourced and mixed samples generated by the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit (Verogen). Data from eight experimental runs (240 samples) were analyzed: one benchmark run, two runs testing sensitivity with down to 50 pg DNA input, one run testing artificially degraded samples and DNA derived from bones, blood cards and teeth, as well as four runs with mixed DNA samples of varying ratios, sex, and different number of contributors (two to six). The MixtureAce stutter thresholds were initially set following the recommendations from Verogen, plus a non-stutter artifact threshold was set at 5% of allele read counts. A benchmark run, of 30 samples, plus two controls, containing 2310 total alleles, revealed over 5000 artifacts, above an analytical threshold of 10. A total of 4869 artifacts were correctly classified, while 435 were mis-classified as alleles due to exceedance of initial threshold settings. False positives must be resolved by an analyst, which can be time consuming. Stutter thresholds were adjusted based on the benchmark data and the samples were re-tested, resulting in only 57 false positive allele calls. The revised settings were then used in the analysis of the remaining seven experimental runs. Results show that MixtureAce can accurately classify artifacts and alleles when laboratory-specific threshold settings are used. The Mixture Interpretation tool was applied on two- and three-person mixtures. This tool utilized the analyzed data from MixtureAce to calculate, based on the number of alleles at a locus and their read counts, possible deconvolution outcomes with their respective ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakha Sharma
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Forensic Biology, 421 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Brian Young
- NicheVision Forensics, LLC., 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44311, USA
| | - Luigi Armogida
- NicheVision Forensics, LLC., 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44311, USA
| | - Amber Khan
- New York City Public Health Laboratory, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 455 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Elisa Wurmbach
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Forensic Biology, 421 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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13
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Strategy for STR typing of bones from the Second World War combining CE and NGS technology: A pilot study. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 50:102401. [PMID: 33171316 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The genetic identification of skeletal remains found in Second World War mass graves is complicated because of the poor quality of the samples. The aim of this study was to set up a workflow for STR typing of such samples combining PCR/CE and PCR/NGS technologies. To this end, 57 DNA samples from an equal number of 75-year-old femurs were studied. After a first round of PCR typing using GlobalFiler CE, 42 samples yielded a full profile and were therefore submitted to our standard workflow. The 15 samples that yielded no or a limited number (2-17/21) of autosomal STR markers as well four bone control samples that provided a full profile with the conventional PCR/CE test were typed in duplicate by the GlobalFiler NGS kit. Despite the degradation of the samples, which resulted in lower coverage and a lower % of on-target reads, reliable sequencing data were obtained from 16/19 samples. The use of a threshold of 30× for the locus call led to a consensus profile (cp) of 20-31/31 STR autosomal loci in 10 samples and to a cp of 8-10/31 loci in two samples, whereas the four control samples yielded a cp of 26-31/31 loci. Finally, the data of the NGS typing were combined with those of the CE typing. This last task allowed us to recover (on average) three alleles per sample and to increase the number of the heterozygous patterns in 37 cases. In total, the combined approach proposed here made possible the genetic typing of 65-100% of the autosomal STR markers in 10/15 (66.6 %) skeletal remains that yielded no or very poor results with the conventional PCR/CE approach. However, because several artefacts (such as allelic drop-out and allelic drop-in) were scored, the risk of mistyping cannot be neglected.
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Barrio PA, García Ó, Phillips C, Prieto L, Gusmão L, Fernández C, Casals F, Freitas JM, González-Albo MDC, Martín P, Mosquera A, Navarro-Vera I, Paredes M, Pérez JA, Pinzón A, Rasal R, Ruiz-Ramírez J, Trindade BR, Alonso A. The first GHEP-ISFG collaborative exercise on forensic applications of massively parallel sequencing. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 49:102391. [PMID: 32957016 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the main goals of the Spanish and Portuguese-Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (GHEP-ISFG) is to promote and contribute to the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge in the field of forensic genetics. The GHEP-ISFG supports several Working Commissions which develop different scientific activities. One of them, the Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications", organized its first collaborative exercise on forensic applications of MPS technology in 2019. The aim of this exercise was to assess the concordance between the MPS results and those obtained with conventional technologies (capillary electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing), as well as to compare the results obtained within the different MPS platforms and/or the different kits/panels and analysis software packages (commercial and open-access) available on the market. The seven participating laboratories analyzed some samples of the annual GHEP-ISFG proficiency test (EIADN No. 27 (2019)), using Ion Torrent™ or MiSeq FGx® platforms. Six of them sent autosomal STR sequence data, five laboratories performed MPS analysis of individual identification SNPs, four laboratories reported MPS data of Y-chromosomal STRs, and X-chromosomal STRs, three laboratories performed MPS analysis of ancestry informative SNPs and phenotype informative SNPs, two labs performed MPS analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region, and only one lab produced MPS data of lineage informative SNPs. Autosomal STR sequencing results were highly concordant to the consensus obtained by capillary electrophoresis in the EIADN No. 27 (2019) exercise. Furthermore, in general, a high level of concordance was observed between the results of the participating laboratories, regardless of the platform used. The main discordances were due to errors during the analysis process or from sequence data obtained with low depth of coverage. In this paper we highlight some issues that still arise, such as standardization of the nomenclature for STRs analyzed by sequencing with MPS, the universal uptake of a nomenclature framework by the analysis software, and well established validation and accreditation of the new MPS platforms for use in routine forensic case-work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Barrio
- Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications" of the GHEP-ISFG (The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics), Spain; Biology Service, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Óscar García
- Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications" of the GHEP-ISFG (The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics), Spain; Forensic Science Unit, Forensic Genetics Section, Basque Country Police, Erandio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Christopher Phillips
- Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications" of the GHEP-ISFG (The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics), Spain; Forensic Genetics Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lourdes Prieto
- Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications" of the GHEP-ISFG (The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics), Spain; Forensic Genetics Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Comisaría General de Policía Científica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Gusmão
- Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications" of the GHEP-ISFG (The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics), Spain; DNA Diagnostics Laboratory (LDD), State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Coro Fernández
- Quality Service, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferran Casals
- Servei de Genòmica, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge M Freitas
- Instituto Nacional de Criminalística, Polícia Federal, Brazil
| | | | - Pablo Martín
- Biology Service, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Mosquera
- Forensic Genetics Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Paredes
- Subdirección de Investigación Científica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Colombia
| | - Juan Antonio Pérez
- Forensic Science Unit, Forensic Genetics Section, Basque Country Police, Erandio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Andrea Pinzón
- Grupo Nacional de Ciencias Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Colombia
| | - Raquel Rasal
- Servei de Genòmica, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Alonso
- Working Commission on "Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS): Forensic Applications" of the GHEP-ISFG (The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics), Spain; Biology Service, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Madrid, Spain
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15
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Tiedge TM, McAtee PD, McCormick MN, Lakhtakia A, Roy R. Massively parallel sequencing and STR analysis from partial bloody fingerprints enhanced with columnar thin films. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 49:102369. [PMID: 32871490 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fingerprint enhancement often includes either physical or chemical approaches, such as fingerprint powder or cyanoacrylate fuming, to improve the quality of a fingerprint for visualization and analysis. However, these methods become more complex when fingerprints are partial bloody, and these procedures may interfere with downstream DNA analysis. Columnar thin film (CTF) deposition is a type of nanotechnology that utilizes an evaporant material to enhance a fingerprint under low-pressure conditions. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is the traditional method employed in crime laboratories. When DNA is of poor quality and quantity, like that often obtained from fingerprints, little to no genetic information may be obtained. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be used to glean additional information when STR analysis fails. In this pilot study, 100 partial bloody fingerprints were collected from two donors and deposited on five different crime scene substrates, in which half were enhanced with CTFs and were graded for quality by an IAI-certified latent fingerprint examiner. CTF-developed fingerprints, on average, had higher grades compared to non-developed partial bloody fingerprints. STR analysis using Fusion 6C was performed to assess inhibition from the evaporant materials, in which no inhibition was observed. Sequencing of SNPs using the Precision ID Identity Panel was also employed, in which genetic information that could not be obtained from STRs was acquired with SNPs. Various sample types (i.e. pristine, low quality, and contaminated) utilized in this project demonstrated the acceptable performance of the Precision ID Identity Panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Tiedge
- Forensic Science Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Patrick D McAtee
- Materials Research Institute and Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Mallory N McCormick
- Forensic Services Division, United States Secret Service, Washington, DC, 20223, USA
| | - Akhlesh Lakhtakia
- Materials Research Institute and Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Reena Roy
- Forensic Science Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Ballard D, Winkler-Galicki J, Wesoły J. Massive parallel sequencing in forensics: advantages, issues, technicalities, and prospects. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1291-1303. [PMID: 32451905 PMCID: PMC7295846 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02294-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, alternatively massive parallel sequencing (MPS), was applied to all fields of biological research. Its introduction to the field of forensics was slower, mainly due to lack of accredited sequencers, kits, and relatively higher sequencing error rates as compared with standardized Sanger sequencing. Currently, a majority of the problematic issues have been solved, which is proven by the body of reports in the literature. Here, we discuss the utility of NGS sequencing in forensics, emphasizing the advantages, issues, the technical aspects of the experiments, commercial solutions, and the potentially interesting applications of MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ballard
- King's Forensic Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, UK
| | - Jakub Winkler-Galicki
- Laboratory of High Throughput Technologies, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz, University Poznan, 6 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Wesoły
- Laboratory of High Throughput Technologies, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz, University Poznan, 6 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, Poznan, Poland.
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Zhang J, Zhang J, Tao R, Jiang L, Chen L, Li X, Li C, Zhang S. A newly devised multiplex assay of novel polymorphic non-CODIS STRs as a valuable tool for forensic application. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 48:102341. [PMID: 32599549 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA profiling that relies on sets of highly polymorphic autosomal STR markers is widely used in the forensic field for human identification and paternity testing. However, the number of markers that are included in the STR kits that are currently available is insufficient to conclusively prove or disprove a relationship between individuals, especially when complex family scenarios are suspected or indirect analyses are required. In these cases, it becomes necessary to increase the number of loci under analysis to reach an adequate likelihood ratio (LR). In this study, we discovered 18 new autosomal non-CODIS STR loci (D1S1616, D1S1608, D2S437, D3S2457, D4S2406, D4S3249, D5S2843, D5S2501, D6S1010, D8S1039, D12S1301, D14S586, D15S815, SHGC-145653, CHLC.GATA14D12, D1S1603, HUMUT7148, and CHLC.GATA84D07) by web scanning and experimental screening. On the basis of this discovery, we developed a novel multiplex typing system named the "SiFaSTR 21plex_NCII Typing System" comprising 1) the 18 non-CODIS autosomal STRs mentioned above, 2) a CODIS locus of D2S1338, and 3) Amelogenin and DYS391. A forensic developmental validation, including sensitivity, species specificity, concordance, reproducibility, sample suitability, testing stability, and mixture testing, was performed following SWGDAM. The results of the validation studies indicated that this system is accurate, reliable and suitable for human DNA profiling. The sensitivity study of the system demonstrated that a full profile was obtainable with DNA as low as 125 pg. Species specificity was proven by the lack of cross-reactivity with a series of common animal species. The stability study demonstrated that 1 ng of control DNA could be fully genotyped with concentrations of haematin ≤ 150 μM, indigotin ≤ 5000 ng/μl, urea ≤ 16000 ng/μl, nigrosine ≤ 100 ng/μl and humic acid ≤ 20 ng/μl. In the mixture test, all of the minor alleles could be called at mixed ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1. We also investigated the allelic frequencies and forensic parameters of the included markers in 259 Chinese Han individuals. The forensic efficiency parameters, including the total power of discrimination (TDP) and the combined exclusion power in duos (CPEduos) and in trios (CPEtrios) of the system were calculated to be greater than 0.9999999, 0.9997347 and 0.9999997, respectively. This result proved that the system is suitable for human identification and paternity testing. The 18 newly discovered non-CODIS STRs and the developed system will be a valuable supplementary tool for the forensic community and will help solve complex paternity cases, evolutionary studies and population investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashuo Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, PR China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, PR China; Department of Forensic Science, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Ruiyang Tao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, PR China; Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, PR China
| | - Liqin Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010030, PR China
| | - Xuebo Li
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Chengtao Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, PR China.
| | - Suhua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, PR China.
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18
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Liu Q, Ma G, Du Q, Lu C, Fu L, Wang Q, Fu G, Li S, Cong B. Development of an NGS panel containing 42 autosomal STR loci and the evaluation focusing on secondary kinship analysis. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:2005-2014. [PMID: 32314064 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a feasible technique to detect considerably more markers and simultaneously obtain length and sequence information in a single reaction. In this study, we developed an NGS panel including 42 commonly used autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) and amelogenin on the Illumina MiSeq FGx™. Sequencing accuracy was validated by the consistency of 2800M Control DNA detected using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit and Sanger sequencing. Nomenclature incompatibility was found between NGS-STR and CE-STR typing at 9 loci (D3S3045, D6S477, D7S3048, D9S925, D14S608, D17S1290, D18S535, D21S1270, GATA198B05), despite the correct sequence. The difference was caused by the two different methods of identifying motif sequence and a one-to-one correspondence can be found. We evaluated the panel by investigating consistency, sequencing sensitivity and the effectiveness of the 2nd-degree relationship identification. Herein, we present sequencing results from 58 unrelated individuals of the Hebei Han population. The total discrimination power (TDP) and cumulative probability of exclusion for trio paternity testing (CPEtrio) of the 42 NGS-STR panels reached 1-2.84 × 10-57 and 1-9.87 × 10-21, respectively. By family simulation and likelihood ratio (LR) calculation, this panel was shown to have effectiveness for the 2nd-degree kinship identification similar to the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit and certain advantages compared with it due to the relatively small number of loci. As expected, it provides new data for the development of NGS-STR typing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Liu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanju Ma
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Du
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaolong Lu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Fu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangping Fu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujin Li
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Cong
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China.
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Silvery J, Ganschow S, Wiegand P, Tiemann C. Developmental validation of the monSTR identity panel, a forensic STR multiplex assay for massively parallel sequencing. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 46:102236. [PMID: 31986344 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The 21-plex STR panel monSTR was designed for high-fidelity forensic genotyping on the Illumina MiSeq platform. In this study, the panel's performance was validated according to the recommended validation guidelines of the Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM). Concordance, repeatability and reproducibility, sensitivity of detection, mixture analysis, species-specificity, and the ability to analyze mock samples were assessed. Sequence data was analyzed using the genotyping software toaSTR. The assay performance was evaluated by measuring the read on-target ratio, the genotype accuracy, the inter-locus balance, the heterozygosity balance, and the signal-to-noise ratio. Results showed that profiles of NIST reference DNA samples as well as GEDNAP proficiency samples were fully concordant with CE-based methods. In addition, inter-run and intra-run variation experiments indicated high precision. Furthermore, full profiles could be obtained using 62.5 pg of DNA input amount with proper inter-locus balance and read on-target ratio; 76.4% of alleles were correctly called with 7.8 pg DNA input amount. It was demonstrated that 94.4% of minor contributor alleles were resolved accurately in a 1:49 mixture. Results suggested that the minor contribution could be precisely calculated based on the minor component allele frequency. Validation results described here demonstrate that the monSTR forensic identity panel is a valid tool for forensic STR genotyping using massively parallel sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Silvery
- LABCON-OWL Analytik, Forschung und Consulting GmbH, Siemensstraße 40, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany; Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Ganschow
- LABCON-OWL Analytik, Forschung und Consulting GmbH, Siemensstraße 40, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany
| | - Peter Wiegand
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carsten Tiemann
- LABCON-OWL Analytik, Forschung und Consulting GmbH, Siemensstraße 40, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany; Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Bielefeld University of Applied Science, Interaktion 1, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Obal M, Zupanc T. Identifying victims of the largest Second World War family massacre in Slovenia. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 306:110056. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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21
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Faccinetto C, Serventi P, Staiti N, Gentile F, Marino A. Internal validation study of the next generation sequencing of Globalfiler™ PCR amplification kit for the Ion Torrent S5 sequencer. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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MPS reveals isometric PCR artefacts in degraded samples. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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23
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Müller P, Sell C, Hadrys T, Hedman J, Bredemeyer S, Laurent FX, Roewer L, Achtruth S, Sidstedt M, Sijen T, Trimborn M, Weiler N, Willuweit S, Bastisch I, Parson W. Inter-laboratory study on standardized MPS libraries: evaluation of performance, concordance, and sensitivity using mixtures and degraded DNA. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:185-198. [PMID: 31745634 PMCID: PMC6949318 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We present results from an inter-laboratory massively parallel sequencing (MPS) study in the framework of the SeqForSTRs project to evaluate forensically relevant parameters, such as performance, concordance, and sensitivity, using a standardized sequencing library including reference material, mixtures, and ancient DNA samples. The standardized library was prepared using the ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit (primer mix A). The library was shared between eight European laboratories located in Austria, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and Sweden to perform MPS on their particular MiSeq FGx sequencers. Despite variation in performance between sequencing runs, all laboratories obtained quality metrics that fell within the manufacturer’s recommended ranges. Furthermore, differences in locus coverage did not inevitably adversely affect heterozygous balance. Inter-laboratory concordance showed 100% concordant genotypes for the included autosomal and Y-STRs, and still, X-STR concordance exceeded 83%. The exclusive reasons for X-STR discordances were drop-outs at DXS10103. Sensitivity experiments demonstrated that correct allele calling varied between sequencing instruments in particular for lower DNA amounts (≤ 125 pg). The analysis of compromised DNA samples showed the drop-out of one sample (FA10013B01A) while for the remaining three degraded DNA samples MPS was able to successfully type ≥ 87% of all aSTRs, ≥ 78% of all Y-STRs, ≥ 68% of all X-STRs, and ≥ 92% of all iSNPs demonstrating that MPS is a promising tool for human identity testing, which in return, has to undergo rigorous in-house validation before it can be implemented into forensic routine casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Müller
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstraße 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Thorsten Hadrys
- Institute of Forensic Sciences, DNA Department, Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Hedman
- Swedish National Forensic Centre (NFC), Linköping, Sweden.,Applied Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Steffi Bredemeyer
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francois-Xavier Laurent
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Laboratoire de Police Scientifique de Lyon, Ecully Cedex, France
| | - Lutz Roewer
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Achtruth
- The Police President in Berlin, Forensic Science Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maja Sidstedt
- Swedish National Forensic Centre (NFC), Linköping, Sweden.,Applied Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Titia Sijen
- Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Trimborn
- The Police President in Berlin, Forensic Science Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Weiler
- Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Willuweit
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstraße 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
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Pilot study for forensic evaluations of the Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2 with the Ion S5™ system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 43:102147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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25
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Massively parallel sequence data of 31 autosomal STR loci from 496 Spanish individuals revealed concordance with CE-STR technology and enhanced discrimination power. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 42:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Ganschow S, Silvery J, Tiemann C. Development of a multiplex forensic identity panel for massively parallel sequencing and its systematic optimization using design of experiments. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 39:32-43. [PMID: 30529891 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The application of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) in forensic sciences enables high-resolution short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping for the characterization of biological evidence. While MPS supports multiplexing of a large number of forensic markers, the performance of an MPS-STR panel depends on good primer design and optimal PCR conditions. However, conventional strategies for multifactorial assay optimization are labor-intensive and do not necessarily allow the experimenter to identify optimum factor settings. Here we describe our new multiplex PCR assay, monSTR, which supports the simultaneous amplification of 21 forensic markers followed by targeted sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq. The selection of STR markers adapts on the expanded European Standard Set (ESS), including the highly polymorphic locus SE33, for compatibility with existing forensic DNA databases. Primer engineering involved bioinformatics tools to create a multiplex-compatible primer set. Primer quality was evaluated in silico and in vitro. We demonstrate the systematic optimization of multiplex PCR thermocycling conditions using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology. The objective was to yield a specific, balanced, low-noise amplification of forensic targets. A central composite face design of experiments enabled an efficient simultaneous investigation of multiple critical process parameters and their interactions. Optimal multiplex PCR conditions were predicted using software-aided modelling based on DOE data. Verification experiments suggested a balanced, reproducible amplification of all markers with reduced formation of artefacts. Fully concordant STR profiles were obtained for the investigated reference samples even with challenging input DNA concentrations. We found that application of DOE principles enabled an experimentally practical and economically justifiable assay development and optimization, even beyond the field of forensic genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ganschow
- LABCON-OWL Analytik, Forschung und Consulting GmbH, Siemensstr. 40, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany.
| | - Janine Silvery
- LABCON-OWL Analytik, Forschung und Consulting GmbH, Siemensstr. 40, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany
| | - Carsten Tiemann
- LABCON-OWL Analytik, Forschung und Consulting GmbH, Siemensstr. 40, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany
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