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Hanson I, Fenn J. A review of the contributions of forensic archaeology and anthropology to the process of disaster victim identification. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 38886927 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15553] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Forensic archaeology and anthropology have developed significantly over past decades and now provide considerable assistance to the investigation process of disaster victim recovery and identification. In what are often chaotic death and crime scenes, the formal process of utilizing archaeological methods can bring control, order, and ensure systematic search. Procedures assist in defining scene extent, locating victims and evidence, rule out areas for consideration, and provide standardized recording and quality assurance through dedicated use of standardized forms (pro formas). Combined archaeological and anthropological search methods maximize opportunities to recovery the missing through identifying remains, mapping distributions, and providing accounting of victims at the scene. Anthropological assistance in examinations contributes to individual assessment, resolving commingling and fragmentation issues, and utilizing DNA sampling methods and matching data to reassociate and account for the missing. Utilization of archaeology, anthropology, and DNA matching data provides scope to review crime scene recovery and determine requirements and potential for further survey and retrieval. Adopting the most suitable methods for a particular context can maximize recovery, efficiency, and resource use. Case studies demonstrate the utility of archaeological methods in a range of scenarios. They exemplify the success of multidisciplinary analysis in providing evidence of the sequence of events, the timing of events, the impact of taphonomic processes, the location and accounting of victims, and the demonstration of systematic scene search. The considerations provided in this article, utilizing archaeology and anthropology processes, may assist investigators in planning and implementing responses to mass fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hanson
- Department of Humanities and Law, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, UK
| | - James Fenn
- TERRA Search Promise, 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, Arlington, Virginia, USA
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2
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C Zapico S, Matos S, Conte J. Assessment of the efficiency of DNA isolation and profiling applying a temperature-driven method in human remains. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:805-813. [PMID: 38247192 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300273] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The identification of human remains is of utmost importance in a variety of scenarios. One of the primary identification methods is DNA. DNA extraction from human remains could be difficult, particularly in situations where the remains have been exposed to environmental conditions and other insults. Several studies tried to improve extraction by applying different approaches. ForensicGEM Universal (MicroGem) is a single-tube approach to DNA extraction and a temperature-driven method that could have some advantages with respect to previous techniques, among them, reducing the risk of contamination, not requiring specialized equipment, or several steps to perform. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the efficiency of DNA extraction and quality of STR profiles applying the MicroGem protocol and modifications of this protocol from tooth samples in comparison with automatic extraction (AE). Our results indicated that AE and MicroGem performed similar, though with variability depending on the MicroGem modifications, increasing the DNA yield and STR profile quality when DNA is concentrated with Microcon. These findings demonstrated the efficiency of this methodology for DNA extraction from human remains while also providing a simple and quick technique suitable to apply in a variety of forensic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology Department and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Shayla Matos
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jillian Conte
- Conte Forensic Consulting, LLC, Peckville, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Emery MV, Bolhofner K, Spake L, Ghafoor S, Versoza CJ, Rawls EM, Winingear S, Buikstra JE, Loreille O, Fulginiti LC, Stone AC. Targeted enrichment of whole-genome SNPs from highly burned skeletal remains. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 38415845 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15482] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Genetic assessment of highly incinerated and/or degraded human skeletal material is a persistent challenge in forensic DNA analysis, including identifying victims of mass disasters. Few studies have investigated the impact of thermal degradation on whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) quality and quantity using next-generation sequencing (NGS). We present whole-genome SNP data obtained from the bones and teeth of 27 fire victims using two DNA extraction techniques. Extracts were converted to double-stranded DNA libraries then enriched for whole-genome SNPs using unpublished biotinylated RNA baits and sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq 550 platform. Raw reads were processed using the EAGER (Efficient Ancient Genome Reconstruction) pipeline, and the SNPs filtered and called using FreeBayes and GATK (v. 3.8). Mixed-effects modeling of the data suggest that SNP variability and preservation is predominantly determined by skeletal element and burn category, and not by extraction type. Whole-genome SNP data suggest that selecting long bones, hand and foot bones, and teeth subjected to temperatures <350°C are the most likely sources for higher genomic DNA yields. Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between the number of captured SNPs and the extent to which samples were burned, as well as a significant decrease in the total number of SNPs measured for samples subjected to temperatures >350°C. Our data complement previous analyses of burned human remains that compare extraction methods for downstream forensic applications and support the idea of adopting a modified Dabney extraction technique when traditional forensic methods fail to produce DNA yields sufficient for genetic identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew V Emery
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Katelyn Bolhofner
- Center for Bioarchaeology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Interdisciplinary Forensics, Arizona State University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Laure Spake
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Suhail Ghafoor
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Cyril J Versoza
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Erin M Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Stevie Winingear
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jane E Buikstra
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Bioarchaeology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Odile Loreille
- FBI Laboratory, DNA Support Unit, Quantico, Virginia, USA
| | - Laura C Fulginiti
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Anne C Stone
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Life Sciences C, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Bioarchaeology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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4
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Childebayeva A, Zavala EI. Review: Computational analysis of human skeletal remains in ancient DNA and forensic genetics. iScience 2023; 26:108066. [PMID: 37927550 PMCID: PMC10622734 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Degraded DNA is used to answer questions in the fields of ancient DNA (aDNA) and forensic genetics. While aDNA studies typically center around human evolution and past history, and forensic genetics is often more concerned with identifying a specific individual, scientists in both fields face similar challenges. The overlap in source material has prompted periodic discussions and studies on the advantages of collaboration between fields toward mutually beneficial methodological advancements. However, most have been centered around wet laboratory methods (sampling, DNA extraction, library preparation, etc.). In this review, we focus on the computational side of the analytical workflow. We discuss limitations and considerations to consider when working with degraded DNA. We hope this review provides a framework to researchers new to computational workflows for how to think about analyzing highly degraded DNA and prompts an increase of collaboration between the forensic genetics and aDNA fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainash Childebayeva
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Elena I. Zavala
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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5
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Haarkötter C, Vinueza-Espinosa DC, Gálvez X, Saiz M, Medina-Lozano MI, Lorente JA, Álvarez JC. A comparison between petrous bone and tooth, femur and tibia DNA analysis from degraded skeletal remains. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1559-1568. [PMID: 37469183 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300097] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal remains are the only biological material that remains after long periods; however, environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pH affect DNA preservation, turning skeletal remains into a challenging sample for DNA laboratories. Sample selection is a key factor, and femur and tooth have been traditionally recommended as the best substrate of genetic material. Recently, petrous bone (cochlear area) has been suggested as a better option due to its DNA yield. This research aims to evaluate the efficiency of petrous bone compared to other cranium samples (tooth) and postcranial long bones (femur and tibia). A total amount of 88 samples were selected from 38 different individuals. The samples were extracted by using an organic extraction protocol, DNA quantification by Quantifiler Trio kit and amplified with GlobalFiler kit. Results show that petrous bone outperforms other bone remains in quantification data, yielding 15-30 times more DNA than the others. DNA profile data presented likeness between petrous bone and tooth regarding detected alleles; however, the amount of DNA extracted in petrous bones allowed us to obtain more informative DNA profiles with superior quality. In conclusion, petrous bone or teeth sampling is recommended if DNA typing is going to be performed with environmentally degraded skeletal remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Haarkötter
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Diana C Vinueza-Espinosa
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Xiomara Gálvez
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Saiz
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Isabel Medina-Lozano
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José Antonio Lorente
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Álvarez
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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6
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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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Utzeri VJ, Cilli E, Fontani F, Zoboli D, Orsini M, Ribani A, Latorre A, Lissovsky AA, Pillola GL, Bovo S, Gruppioni G, Luiselli D, Fontanesi L. Ancient DNA re-opens the question of the phylogenetic position of the Sardinian pika Prolagus sardus (Wagner, 1829), an extinct lagomorph. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13635. [PMID: 37604894 PMCID: PMC10442435 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40746-w] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Palaeogenomics is contributing to refine our understanding of many major evolutionary events at an unprecedented resolution, with relevant impacts in several fields, including phylogenetics of extinct species. Few extant and extinct animal species from Mediterranean regions have been characterised at the DNA level thus far. The Sardinian pika, Prolagus sardus (Wagner, 1829), was an iconic lagomorph species that populated Sardinia and Corsica and became extinct during the Holocene. There is a certain scientific debate on the phylogenetic assignment of the extinct genus Prolagus to the family Ochotonidae (one of the only two extant families of the order Lagomorpha) or to a separated family Prolagidae, or to the subfamily Prolaginae within the family Ochotonidae. In this study, we successfully reconstructed a portion of the mitogenome of a Sardinian pika dated to the Neolithic period and recovered from the Cabaddaris cave, an archaeological site in Sardinia. Our calibrated phylogeny may support the hypothesis that the genus Prolagus is an independent sister group to the family Ochotonidae that diverged from the Ochotona genus lineage about 30 million years ago. These results may contribute to refine the phylogenetic interpretation of the morphological peculiarities of the Prolagus genus already described by palaeontological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Joe Utzeri
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Cilli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fontani
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Daniel Zoboli
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS 554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'università 10, 35120, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Anisa Ribani
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adriana Latorre
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Andrey A Lissovsky
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gian Luigi Pillola
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS 554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Samuele Bovo
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gruppioni
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Luca Fontanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
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Lisman D, Drath J, Teul I, Zielińska G, Szargut M, Dowejko J, Cytacka S, Piątek J, Ambroziak J, Śliżewski G, Ossowski A. The last flight of F/O Tadeusz Stabrowski. Identification of the polish pilot. Front Genet 2023; 14:1231451. [PMID: 37576561 PMCID: PMC10415905 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1231451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The paper presents the process of identifying an unnamed soldier of the Polish armed forces in the west, whose remains were found in a nameless grave at the municipal cemetery in Le Crotoy in France. The Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianism team carried out the research in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. A comprehensive analysis of autosomal and Y-STR markers was performed. Historical, anthropological, and forensic examinations of the remains were also carried out. The items found with the remains were also examined. Identification based on DNA analysis made it possible to restore the identity of the Polish pilot who died on 11 March 1943 near the French coast, F/O Tadeusz Stabrowski. The airman regained his name in 2018, he was about 26 years old at the time of his death and left behind a grieving wife and son in the United Kingdom. The success of identifying the NN remains was guaranteed by the appointment of an interdisciplinary team consisting of specialists in archaeology, anthropology, history, forensic medicine and forensic genetics. The analysis of historical sources allowed to determine 4 missing airmen whose remains could have been buried in the cemetery in Le Crotoy. An interesting aspect of the research was the cooperation with history enthusiasts and fans of Polish aviation, thanks to which it was finally possible to narrow down the group of pilots sought and reach the family of Tadeusz Stabrowski, who submitted comparative material for research. This is the first case of establishing the identity of a Polish pilot killed in France. Many institutions have been involved in the project, including Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MDiKN), which partially funded the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Lisman
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Drath
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Teul
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maria Szargut
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Dowejko
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sandra Cytacka
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Piątek
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jan Ambroziak
- Polish Ministry of Heritage and National Culture, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Ossowski
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Inkret J, Zupanc T, Zupanič Pajnič I. A Multisample Approach in Forensic Phenotyping of Chronological Old Skeletal Remains Using Massive Parallel Sequencing (MPS) Technology. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1449. [PMID: 37510353 PMCID: PMC10379588 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071449] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It is very important to generate phenotypic results that are reliable when processing chronological old skeletal remains for cases involving the identification of missing persons. To improve the success of pigmentation prediction in Second World War victims, three bones from each of the eight skeletons analyzed were included in the study, which makes it possible to generate a consensus profile. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification, the ESI 17 Fast System was used for STR typing, and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel was used for PCR-MPS. The HID Ion Chef Instrument was used for library preparation and templating. Sequencing was performed with the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Identical full profiles and identical hair and eye color predictions were achieved from three bones analyzed per skeleton. Blue eye color was predicted in five skeletons and brown in three skeletons. Blond hair color was predicted in one skeleton, blond to dark blond in three skeletons, brown to dark brown in two skeletons, and dark brown to black in two skeletons. The reproducibility and reliability of the results proved the multisample analysis method to be beneficial for phenotyping chronological old skeletons because differences in DNA yields in different bone types provide a greater possibility of obtaining a better-quality consensus profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Fattorini P, Previderè C, Livieri T, Zupanc T, Pajnič IZ. SNP analysis of challenging bone DNA samples using the HID-Ion AmpliSeq™ Identity Panel: facts and artefacts. Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-03019-9. [PMID: 37212920 PMCID: PMC10247551 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
PCR-MPS is an emerging tool for the analysis of low-quality DNA samples. In this study, we used PCR-MPS to analyse 32 challenging bone DNA samples from three Second World War victims, which previously yielded no results in conventional STR PCR-CE typing. The Identity Panel was used with 27 cycles of PCR. Despite that we only had an average of 6.8 pg of degraded DNA as template, 30 out of 32 libraries (93.8%) produced sequencing data for about 63/90 autosomal markers per sample. Out of the 30 libraries, 14 (46.7%) yielded single source genetic profiles in agreement with the biological identity of the donor, whereas 12 cases (40.0%) resulted in SNP profiles that did not match or were mixed. The misleading outcomes for those 12 cases were likely due to hidden exogenous human contamination, as shown by the higher frequencies of allelic imbalance, unusual high frequencies of allelic drop-ins, high heterozygosity levels in the consensus profiles generated from challenging samples, and traces of amplified molecular products in four out of eight extraction negative controls. Even if the source and the time of the contamination were not identified, it is likely that it occurred along the multi-step bone processing workflow. Our results suggest that only positive identification by statistical tools (e.g. likelihood ratio) should be accepted as reliable; oppositely, the results leading to exclusion should be treated as inconclusive because of potential contamination issues. Finally, strategies are discussed for monitoring the workflow of extremely challenging bone samples in PCR-MPS experiments with an increased number of PCR cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fattorini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlo Previderè
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Livieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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11
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Kayser M, Sajantila A, Butler JM, Parson W, Salas A, Gill P, Parsons T, Phillips C, Egeland T, Marshall C. Special issue: Forensic Genetics: Unde venisti et quo vadis? Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023:102881. [PMID: 37173159 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherland.
| | - Antti Sajantila
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki and Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - John M Butler
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Programs Office, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria and Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Antonio Salas
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences and GenPoB Research Group, Institute of Health Research, Clinic Hospital, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Peter Gill
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Oslo University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Parsons
- International Commission on Missing Persons, Den Haag, the Netherlands
| | - Chris Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Thore Egeland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
| | - Charla Marshall
- Emerging Technologies Section, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, DE, USA
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12
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Thomas JT, Cavagnino C, Kjelland K, Anderson E, Sturk-Andreaggi K, Daniels-Higginbotham J, Amory C, Spatola B, Moran K, Parson W, Marshall C. Evaluating the Usefulness of Human DNA Quantification to Predict DNA Profiling Success of Historical Bone Samples. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14050994. [PMID: 37239354 DOI: 10.3390/genes14050994] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the usefulness of DNA quantification to predict the success of historical samples when analyzing SNPs, mtDNA, and STR targets. Thirty burials from six historical contexts were utilized, ranging in age from 80 to 800 years postmortem. Samples underwent library preparation and hybridization capture with two bait panels (FORCE and mitogenome), and STR typing (autosomal STR and Y-STR). All 30 samples generated small (~80 bp) autosomal DNA target qPCR results, despite mean mappable fragments ranging from 55-125 bp. The qPCR results were positively correlated with DNA profiling success. Samples with human DNA inputs as low as 100 pg resulted in ≥80% FORCE SNPs at 10X coverage. All 30 samples resulted in mitogenome coverage ≥100X despite low human DNA input (as low as 1 pg). With PowerPlex Fusion, ≥30 pg human DNA input resulted in >40% of auSTR loci. At least 59% of Y-STR loci were recovered with Y-target qPCR-based inputs of ≥24 pg. The results also indicate that human DNA quantity is a better predictor of success than the ratio of human to exogenous DNA. Accurate quantification with qPCR is feasible for historical bone samples, allowing for the screening of extracts to predict the success of DNA profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Tyler Thomas
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- SNA International, LLC (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Courtney Cavagnino
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- SNA International, LLC (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Katelyn Kjelland
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- Amentum Services Inc. (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Germantown, MD 20876, USA
| | - Elise Anderson
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- Amentum Services Inc. (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Germantown, MD 20876, USA
| | - Kimberly Sturk-Andreaggi
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- SNA International, LLC (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Jennifer Daniels-Higginbotham
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- SNA International, LLC (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Christina Amory
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Brian Spatola
- National Museum of Health and Medicine, Anatomical Division, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Kimberlee Moran
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Chemistry, Rutgers University-Camden, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - Charla Marshall
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA
- SNA International, LLC (Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL), Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
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Date Chong M, Sheehan S, Battaglia J, Wescott DJ, Wallin J. Comparative study of Rapid DNA versus conventional methods on compromised bones. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102825. [PMID: 36592573 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102825] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Equivalent amounts of compromised bones were used to directly compare STR success of conventional and Rapid DNA methods. Conventional DNA extraction methods, including manual full demineralization and semi-automated PrepFiler BTA/ AutoMate Express (ThermoFisher Scientific), provided insights regarding the DNA quantity and extent of degradation of each compromised bone analyzed with ANDE 6C (ANDE Corp) and RapidHIT ID (ThermoFisher Scientific) Rapid systems. Full demineralization provided higher DNA yields than extraction with the AutoMate Express for quality control (QC) and environmentally challenged bones. The degradation indices ranged from ∼1.8 to 73. Both demineralization and AutoMate Express extracts benefited from additional clean-up with NucleoSpin XS devices, which usually resulted in more alleles being detected than without further clean-up. Complete "CODIS 20″ profiles could be obtained with bone QC1 with all methods. However, among the 14 compromised bones with low DNA content, complete CODIS 20 profiles were detected for 7, 4, and 0 bones analyzed with demineralization, AutoMate Express and ANDE methods, respectively. The RapidHIT ID was the least sensitive method, providing the fewest detectable alleles for the bones tested. Whereas extracted DNA of approximately 0.1 ng can yield complete GlobalFiler STR profiles, at least 30 ng was required for complete FlexPlex 27 profiles using the ANDE 6C Rapid DNA system. In addition to being less sensitive than conventional methods, the tested Rapid DNA approaches were less predictable when attempting to improve STR success and proved to be less reliable in genotyping accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavis Date Chong
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - Sandra Sheehan
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Jessica Battaglia
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Texas State University, Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Jeanette Wallin
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
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14
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Finaughty C, Heathfield LJ, Kemp V, Márquez-Grant N. Forensic DNA extraction methods for human hard tissue: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of technologies and sample type. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102818. [PMID: 36502616 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA identification of human remains has a valuable role in the field of forensic science and wider. Although DNA is vital in identification of unknown human remains, post-mortem environmental factors can lead to poor molecular preservation. In this respect, focus has been placed on DNA extraction methodologies for hard tissue samples, as these are the longest surviving. Despite decades of research being conducted on DNA extraction methods for bone and teeth, little consensus has been reached as to the best performing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a thorough systematic literature review to identify potential DNA extraction technique(s) which perform optimally for forensic DNA profiling from hard tissue samples. PRISMA guidelines were used, by which a search strategy was developed. This included identifying databases and discipline specific journals, keywords, and exclusion and inclusion criteria. In total, 175 articles were identified that detailed over 50 different DNA extraction methodologies. Results of the meta-analysis conducted on 41 articles - meeting further inclusion criteria - showed that statistically significant higher DNA profiling success was associated with solid-phase magnetic bead/resin methods. In addition, incorporating a demineralisation pre-step resulted in significantly higher profiling successes. For hard tissue type, bone outperformed teeth, and even though dense cortical femur samples were more frequently used across the studies, profiling success was comparable, and in some cases, higher in cancellous bone samples. Notably, incomplete data sharing resulted in many studies being excluded, thus an emphasis for minimum reporting standards is made. In conclusion, this study identifies strategies that may improve success rates of forensic DNA profiling from hard tissue samples. Finally, continued improvements to current methods can ensure faster times to resolution and restoring the identity of those who died in obscurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Finaughty
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield Defence and Security, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
| | - Laura Jane Heathfield
- Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Victoria Kemp
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield Defence and Security, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield Defence and Security, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
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15
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Watherston J, McNevin D. Skull and long bones – Forensic DNA techniques for historic shipwreck human remains. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2023.2181395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Watherston
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Biology Unit, Forensic Science Branch, Nt Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Berrimah, NT, Australia
- College of Health & Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - D. McNevin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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16
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Application of Forensic DNA Phenotyping for Prediction of Eye, Hair and Skin Colour in Highly Decomposed Bodies. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11050647. [PMID: 36900653 PMCID: PMC10000573 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11050647] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, predicting externally visible characteristics (EVCs) by adopting informative DNA molecular markers has become a method in forensic genetics that has increased its value, giving rise to an interesting field called "Forensic DNA Phenotyping" (FDP). The most meaningful forensic applications of EVCs prediction are those in which, having only a DNA sample isolated from highly decomposed remains, it is essential to reconstruct the physical appearance of a person. Through this approach, we set out to evaluate 20 skeletal remains of Italian provenance in order to associate them with as many cases of missing persons as possible. To achieve the intended goal, in this work we applied the HIrisPlex-S multiplex system through the conventional short tandem repeats (STR) method to confirm the expected identity of subjects by evaluating phenotypic features. To investigate the reliability and accuracy of the DNA-based EVCs prediction, pictures of the cases were compared as they were available to researchers. Results showed an overall prediction accuracy greater than 90% for all three phenotypic features-iris, hair, and skin colour-at a probability threshold of 0.7. The experimental analysis showed inconclusive results in only two cases; this is probably due to the characteristics of subjects who had an intermediate eye and hair colour, for which the DNA-based system needs to improve the prediction accuracy.
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17
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Pilli E, Morelli S, Poggiali B, Alladio E. Biogeographical ancestry, variable selection, and PLS-DA method: a new panel to assess ancestry in forensic samples via MPS technology. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 62:102806. [PMID: 36399972 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102806] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
As evidenced by the large number of articles recently published in the literature, forensic scientists are making great efforts to infer externally visible features and biogeographical ancestry (BGA) from DNA analysis. Just as phenotypic, ancestry information obtained from DNA can provide investigative leads to identify the victims (missing/unidentified persons, crime/armed conflict/mass disaster victims) or trace their perpetrators when no matches were found with the reference profile or in the database. Recently, the advent of Massively Parallel Sequencing technologies associated with the possibility of harnessing high-throughput genetic data allowed us to investigate the associations between phenotypic and genomic variations in worldwide human populations and develop new BGA forensic tools capable of simultaneously analyzing up to millions of markers if for example the ancient DNA approach of hybridization capture was adopted to target SNPs of interest. In the present study, a selection of more than 3000 SNPs was performed to create a new BGA panel and the accuracy of the new panel to infer ancestry from unknown samples was evaluated by the PLS-DA method. Subsequently, the panel created was assessed using three variable selection techniques (Backward variable elimination, Genetic Algorithm and Regularized elimination procedure), and the best SNPs in terms of inferring bio-geographical ancestry at inter- and intra-continental level were selected to obtain panels to predict BGA with a reduced number of selected markers to be applied in routine forensic cases where PCR amplification is the best choice to target SNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pilli
- Department of Biology, Forensic Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Morelli
- Department of Biology, Forensic Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Brando Poggiali
- Department of Biology, Forensic Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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18
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Xu Y, Wang N, Gao S, Li C, Ma P, Yang S, Jiang H, Shi S, Wu Y, Zhang Q, Cui Y. Solving the two-decades-old murder case through joint application of ZooMS and ancient DNA approaches. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:319-327. [PMID: 36625884 PMCID: PMC9902420 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02944-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bones are one of the most common biological types of evidence in forensic cases. Discriminating human bones from irrelevant species is important for the identification of victims; however, the highly degraded bones could be undiagnostic morphologically and difficult to analyze with standard DNA profiling approaches. The same challenge also exists in archaeological studies. Here, we present an initial study of an analytical strategy that involves zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) and ancient DNA methods. Through the combined strategy, we managed to identify the only biological evidence of a two-decades-old murder case - a small piece of human bone out of 19 bone fragments - and confirmed the kinship between the victim and the putative parents through joint application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing methods. ZooMS effectively screened out the target human bone while ancient DNA methods improve the DNA yields. The combined strategy in this case outperforms the standard DNA profiling approach with shorter time, less cost, as well as higher reliability for the genetic identification results. HIGHLIGHTS: • The first application of zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry technique in the forensic case for screening out human bones from bone fragment mixtures. • Application of ancient DNA technique to recover the highly degraded DNA sequence from the challenging sample that failed standard DNA profiling approaches. • A fast, sensitive, and low-cost strategy that combines the strengths of protein analysis and DNA analysis for kinship identification in forensic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Naihui Wang
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Shizhu Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Pengcheng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Shasha Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Criminal Police Detachment, Qingdao Municipal Public Security Bureau, Qingdao, 266034 China
| | - Shoujin Shi
- Criminal Investigation Team, Jimo Branch, Qingdao Municipal Public Security Bureau, Qingdao, 266205 China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
| | - Quanchao Zhang
- Bioarchaeology Laboratory, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China ,School of Archaeology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Yinqiu Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China. .,Bioarchaeology Laboratory, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
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19
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Zupanc T, Leskovar T, Črešnar M, Fattorini P. Eye and Hair Color Prediction of Ancient and Second World War Skeletal Remains Using a Forensic PCR-MPS Approach. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081432. [PMID: 36011343 PMCID: PMC9407562 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the usefulness of the forensic PCR-MPS approach to eye and hair color prediction for aged skeletons, a customized version of the PCR-MPS HIrisPlex panel was used on two sets of samples. The first set contained 11 skeletons dated from the 3rd to the 18th centuries AD, and for each of them at least four bone types were analyzed (for a total of 47 samples). In the second set, 24 skeletons from the Second World War were analyzed, and only petrous bones from the skulls were tested. Good-quality libraries were achieved in 83.3% of the cases for the ancient skeletons and in all Second World War petrous bones, with 94.7% and 100% of the markers, respectively, suitable for SNP typing. Consensus typing was achieved for about 91.7% of the markers in 10 out of 11 ancient skeletons, and the HIrisPlex-S webtool was then used to generate phenotypic predictions. Full predictions were achieved for 3 (27.3%) ancient skeletons and 12 (50%) Second World War petrous bones. In the remaining cases, different levels of AUC (area under the receiver operating curve) loss were computed because of no available data (NA) for 8.3% of markers in ancient skeletons and 4.2% of markers in Second World War petrous bones. Although the PCR-based approach has been replaced with new techniques in ancient DNA studies, the results show that customized forensic technologies can be successfully applied to aged bone remains, highlighting the role of the template in the success of PCR-MPS analysis. However, because several typical errors of ancient DNA sequencing were scored, replicate tests and accurate evaluation by an expert remain indispensable tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Črešnar
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Paolo Fattorini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Strada per Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-399-3265
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20
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Zavala EI, Thomas JT, Sturk-Andreaggi K, Daniels-Higginbotham J, Meyers KK, Barrit-Ross S, Aximu-Petri A, Richter J, Nickel B, Berg GE, McMahon TP, Meyer M, Marshall C. Ancient DNA Methods Improve Forensic DNA Profiling of Korean War and World War II Unknowns. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13010129. [PMID: 35052469 PMCID: PMC8774965 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The integration of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology into forensic casework has been of particular benefit to the identification of unknown military service members. However, highly degraded or chemically treated skeletal remains often fail to provide usable DNA profiles, even with sensitive mitochondrial (mt) DNA capture and MPS methods. In parallel, the ancient DNA field has developed workflows specifically for degraded DNA, resulting in the successful recovery of nuclear DNA and mtDNA from skeletal remains as well as sediment over 100,000 years old. In this study we use a set of disinterred skeletal remains from the Korean War and World War II to test if ancient DNA extraction and library preparation methods improve forensic DNA profiling. We identified an ancient DNA extraction protocol that resulted in the recovery of significantly more human mtDNA fragments than protocols previously used in casework. In addition, utilizing single-stranded rather than double-stranded library preparation resulted in increased attainment of reportable mtDNA profiles. This study emphasizes that the combination of ancient DNA extraction and library preparation methods evaluated here increases the success rate of DNA profiling, and likelihood of identifying historical remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I. Zavala
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (A.A.-P.); (J.R.); (B.N.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.I.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Jacqueline Tyler Thomas
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
- SNA International, Contractor Supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Kimberly Sturk-Andreaggi
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
- SNA International, Contractor Supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 08 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Daniels-Higginbotham
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
- SNA International, Contractor Supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Kerriann K. Meyers
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
- SNA International, Contractor Supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Suzanne Barrit-Ross
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
| | - Ayinuer Aximu-Petri
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (A.A.-P.); (J.R.); (B.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Julia Richter
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (A.A.-P.); (J.R.); (B.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Birgit Nickel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (A.A.-P.); (J.R.); (B.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Gregory E. Berg
- Defense Personnel Accounting Agency, Central Identification Laboratory, Hickam Air Force Base, Oahu, HI 96853, USA;
| | - Timothy P. McMahon
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
- SNA International, Contractor Supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Matthias Meyer
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (A.A.-P.); (J.R.); (B.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Charla Marshall
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902, USA; (J.T.T.); (K.S.-A.); (J.D.-H.); (K.K.M.); (S.B.-R.); (T.P.M.)
- SNA International, Contractor Supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
- Forensic Science Program, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA
- Correspondence: (E.I.Z.); (C.M.)
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21
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Pośpiech E, Teisseyre P, Mielniczuk J, Branicki W. Predicting Physical Appearance from DNA Data-Towards Genomic Solutions. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13010121. [PMID: 35052461 PMCID: PMC8774670 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea of forensic DNA intelligence is to extract from genomic data any information that can help guide the investigation. The clues to the externally visible phenotype are of particular practical importance. The high heritability of the physical phenotype suggests that genetic data can be easily predicted, but this has only become possible with less polygenic traits. The forensic community has developed DNA-based predictive tools by employing a limited number of the most important markers analysed with targeted massive parallel sequencing. The complexity of the genetics of many other appearance phenotypes requires big data coupled with sophisticated machine learning methods to develop accurate genomic predictors. A significant challenge in developing universal genomic predictive methods will be the collection of sufficiently large data sets. These should be created using whole-genome sequencing technology to enable the identification of rare DNA variants implicated in phenotype determination. It is worth noting that the correctness of the forensic sketch generated from the DNA data depends on the inclusion of an age factor. This, however, can be predicted by analysing epigenetic data. An important limitation preventing whole-genome approaches from being commonly used in forensics is the slow progress in the development and implementation of high-throughput, low DNA input sequencing technologies. The example of palaeoanthropology suggests that such methods may possibly be developed in forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Pośpiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Paweł Teisseyre
- Institute of Computer Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-248 Warsaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.M.)
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Mielniczuk
- Institute of Computer Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-248 Warsaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.M.)
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
- Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, 00-583 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-126-645-024
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Bini C, Cilli E, Sarno S, Traversari M, Fontani F, Boattini A, Pelotti S, Luiselli D. Twenty-Seven Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats Analysis of Italian Mummies of the 16th and 18th Centuries: An Interdisciplinary Research. Front Genet 2021; 12:720640. [PMID: 34659342 PMCID: PMC8514714 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.720640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Roccapelago (MO) is a small village located in the Northern Central Apennines, with a population of 31 inhabitants (2014). In 2010, more than 400 individuals dated between the end of the 16th and the 18th century, many of which partially mummified, were discovered in the crypt of the church. This small village, because of its geographical location and surrounding environment, seems to possess the characteristics of a genetic isolate, useful for population genetics and genealogical analyses. Thus, a diachronic study of DNA aimed at investigating the structure and dynamics of the population of Roccapelago over the about 4 centuries, was conducted by analyzing ancient and modern inhabitants of the village. The 14 modern samples were selected by considering both the founder surnames of the village, identified thanks to the study of parish registers, and the grandparent's criterion. From 25 ancient mummies, morphologically assigned to male individuals, the petrous bone, that harbors high DNA amounts, was selected for the DNA extraction. The quantification and qualitative assessment of total human male DNA were evaluated by a real-time PCR assay using the Quantifiler Trio DNA Quantification Kit and multiplex PCR of 27 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) markers included in the Yfiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit, with seven rapidly mutating Y-STR loci for improving discrimination of male lineages, was performed to genotype the samples. Y-STRs were analyzed according to the criteria of ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis to ensure that authentic DNA typing results were obtained from these ancient samples. The molecular analysis showed the usefulness of the Y chromosome to identify historically relevant remains and discover patterns of relatedness in communities moving from anthropology to genetic genealogy and forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bini
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cilli
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA (aDNALab), Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Stefania Sarno
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology and Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirko Traversari
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA (aDNALab), Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Francesco Fontani
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA (aDNALab), Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Alessio Boattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology and Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA (aDNALab), Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
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