1
|
Smith M, Miller S. The Evolution of Forensic Genomics: Regulating Massively Parallel Sequencing. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2024; 21:365-372. [PMID: 37966660 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10316-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Forensic genomics now enables law enforcement agencies to undertake rapid and detailed analysis of suspect samples using a technique known as massively parallel sequencing (MPS), including information such as physical traits, biological ancestry, and medical conditions. This article discusses the implications of MPS and provides ethical analysis, drawing on the concept of joint rights applicable to genomic data, and the concept of collective moral responsibility (understood as joint moral responsibility) that are applicable to law enforcement investigations that utilize genomic data. The widespread and unconstrained use of this technology without appropriate legal protections of individual moral rights and associated accountability mechanisms, could potentially not only involve violations of individual moral rights but also lead to an unacceptable shift in the balance of power between governments and the citizenry. We argue that in light of the rights of victims and the security benefits for society, there is a collective moral responsibility for individuals to submit their DNA to law enforcement and for MPS to be used where other, less invasive techniques are not effective. However, this application should be limited by legislation, including that any data obtained should be directly relevant to the investigation and should be destroyed at the conclusion of the investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Smith
- Charles Sturt University, 10 Brisbane Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
| | - Seumas Miller
- Charles Sturt University, 10 Brisbane Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tuazon OM, Wickenheiser RA, Ansell R, Guerrini CJ, Zwenne GJ, Custers B. Law enforcement use of genetic genealogy databases in criminal investigations: Nomenclature, definition and scope. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2024; 8:100460. [PMID: 38380276 PMCID: PMC10876674 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100460] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Although law enforcement use of commercial genetic genealogy databases has gained prominence since the arrest of the Golden State Killer in 2018, and it has been used in hundreds of cases in the United States and more recently in Europe and Australia, it does not have a standard nomenclature and scope. We analyzed the more common terms currently being used and propose a common nomenclature: investigative forensic genetic genealogy (iFGG). We define iFGG as the use by law enforcement of genetic genealogy combined with traditional genealogy to generate suspect investigational leads from forensic samples in criminal investigations. We describe iFGG as a proper subset of forensic genetic genealogy, that is, FGG as applied by law enforcement to criminal investigations; hence, investigative FGG or iFGG. We delineate its steps, compare and contrast it with other investigative techniques involving genetic evidence, and contextualize its use within criminal investigations. This characterization is a critical input to future studies regarding the legal status of iFGG and its implications on the right to genetic privacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M. Tuazon
- Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw), Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law, Leiden Law School, Leiden University, Kamerlingh Onnes Building, Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ray A. Wickenheiser
- New York State Police Crime Laboratory System, Forensic Investigation Center, 1220 Washington Avenue, Building #30, Albany, NY, 12226-3000, USA
| | - Ricky Ansell
- Swedish Police Authority, National Forensic Centre, SE-581 94, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Christi J. Guerrini
- Baylor College of Medicine, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gerrit-Jan Zwenne
- Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw), Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law, Leiden Law School, Leiden University, Kamerlingh Onnes Building, Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Custers
- Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw), Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law, Leiden Law School, Leiden University, Kamerlingh Onnes Building, Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bardan F, Higgins D, Austin JJ. A custom hybridisation enrichment forensic intelligence panel to infer biogeographic ancestry, hair and eye colour, and Y chromosome lineage. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102822. [PMID: 36525814 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102822] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing can provide genetic data for hundreds to thousands of loci in a single assay for various types of forensic testing. However, available commercial kits require an initial PCR amplification of short-to-medium sized targets which limits their application for highly degraded DNA. Development and optimisation of large PCR multiplexes also prevents creation of custom panels that target different suites of markers for identity, biogeographic ancestry, phenotype, and lineage markers (Y-chromosome and mtDNA). Hybridisation enrichment, an alternative approach for target enrichment prior to sequencing, uses biotinylated probes to bind to target DNA and has proven successful on degraded and ancient DNA. We developed a customisable hybridisation capture method, that uses individually mixed baits to allow tailored and targeted enrichment to specific forensic questions of interest. To allow collection of forensic intelligence data, we assembled and tested a custom panel of hybridisation baits to infer biogeographic ancestry, hair and eye colour, and paternal lineage (and sex) on modern male and female samples with a range of self-declared ancestries and hair/eye colour combinations. The panel correctly estimated biogeographic ancestry in 9/12 samples (75%) but detected European admixture in three individuals from regions with admixed demographic history. Hair and eye colour were predicted correctly in 83% and 92% of samples respectively, where intermediate eye colour and blond hair were problematic to predict. Analysis of Y-chromosome SNPs correctly assigned sex and paternal haplogroups, the latter complementing and supporting biogeographic ancestry predictions. Overall, we demonstrate the utility of this hybridisation enrichment approach to forensic intelligence testing using a combined suite of biogeographic ancestry, phenotype, and Y-chromosome SNPs for comprehensive biological profiling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Bardan
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Denice Higgins
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Dentistry, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy J Austin
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Efficient DNA Sampling in Burglary Investigations. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:genes13010026. [PMID: 35052367 PMCID: PMC8774317 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In terms of crime scene investigations by means of forensic DNA-analyses, burglaries are the number one mass crime in Switzerland. Around one third of the DNA trace profiles registered in the Swiss DNA database are related to burglaries. However, during the collection of potential DNA traces within someone’s residence after a burglary, it is not known whether the sampled DNA originated from the perpetrator or from an inhabitant of said home. Because of the high incidence of burglaries, crime scene investigators usually do not collect reference samples from all the residents for economical and administrative reasons. Therefore, the presumably high probability that a DNA profile belonging to a person authorized to be at the crime scene ends up being sent to a DNA database for comparison, has to be taken into account. To our knowledge, no investigation has been made to evaluate the percentage of these non-perpetrator profiles straying into DNA databases. To shed light on this question, we collected reference samples from residents who had been victims of recent burglaries in their private homes. By comparing the profiles established from these reference samples with the profiles generated from trace DNA, we can show that the majority of the DNA samples collected in burglary investigations belong to the residents. Despite the limited number of cases included in the study, presumably due to a crime decline caused by the pandemic, we further show that trace DNA collection in the vicinity of the break and entry area, in particular window and door glasses, is most promising for sampling perpetrator instead of inhabitant DNA.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ancestry and phenotype predictions from touch DNA using massively parallel sequencing. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:81-89. [PMID: 32815052 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02398-7] [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: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Direct PCR can be used to successfully generate full STR profiles from DNA present on the surface of objects. STR profiles are only of use in cases where a potential donor profile is available for comparison, and DNA is of sufficient DNA quality and quantity to generate a reliable profile. Often, no donor information is available and only trace DNA is present on items. As a result, alternative techniques are required to generate genetic data that can provide investigative leads. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) offers the ability to detect trace levels of DNA and improve DNA analysis success from touched items. Here, we present the first application of direct PCR coupled with MPS to generate forensic intelligence SNP data from latent DNA. The panels assessed are (1) the HIrisplex System that targets 24 SNPs to simultaneously predict hair and eye, and (2) the Precision ID Ancestry Panel that targets 165 autosomal SNPs indicative of biogeographic ancestry. For each panel, we analysed 60 touched samples across five individuals and four substrates (glass slide, fuse, zip-lock bag and wire) using Ion AmpliSeq Library Preparation Kit on the automated Ion Chef System and Ion Torrent PGM. We examine the SNP recovery, concordance with reference samples and the genotype reproducibility from different substrates and donors. The results demonstrate the application of this approach for obtaining informative genetic from trace amounts of DNA.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wilson L, Wright K, Robertson J, Lennard C. Australian biometric system to meet national security objectives – Part II legislation and policy. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1781253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L.E. Wilson
- Australian Government Department of Defence, Defence Science and Technology Group, Washington, DC, USA
- National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS), Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - K. Wright
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - J. Robertson
- National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS), Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - C. Lennard
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Butler JM, Willis S. Interpol review of forensic biology and forensic DNA typing 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:352-367. [PMID: 33385135 PMCID: PMC7770417 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
Collapse
|
8
|
Samuel G, Prainsack B. Civil society stakeholder views on forensic DNA phenotyping: Balancing risks and benefits. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 43:102157. [PMID: 31518963 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) is an umbrella term for practices seeking to infer likely phenotypic characteristics based on crime scene DNA. Specifically, it is intended to help criminal investigators find an unknown suspected perpetrator by providing information about what the suspected perpetrator may look like based on the analysis of DNA left at the crime scene. While many purport the usefulness of FDP in this regard, its probabilistic nature, as well as its ability to disclose information about an individual that may be considered private raises a range of ethical and social concerns. This paper reports findings from interviews with thirty civil society stakeholders across nine European countries. Our findings reflect the wide variation of views in Europe regarding if, when and/or how the technology should be used in the criminal justice system, and we illustrate this by presenting the different ways in which our participants strike a balance between the potential usefulness of the technology, and the various ethical and social considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Samuel
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, UK.
| | - Barbara Prainsack
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, UK; Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McCord BR, Gauthier Q, Cho S, Roig MN, Gibson-Daw GC, Young B, Taglia F, Zapico SC, Mariot RF, Lee SB, Duncan G. Forensic DNA Analysis. Anal Chem 2019; 91:673-688. [PMID: 30485738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R McCord
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Quentin Gauthier
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Sohee Cho
- Department of Forensic Medicine , Seoul National University , Seoul , 08826 , South Korea
| | - Meghan N Roig
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Georgiana C Gibson-Daw
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Brian Young
- Niche Vision, Inc. , Akron , Ohio 44311 , United States
| | - Fabiana Taglia
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Sara C Zapico
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Roberta Fogliatto Mariot
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| | - Steven B Lee
- Forensic Science Program, Justice Studies Department , San Jose State University , San Jose , California 95192 , United States
| | - George Duncan
- Department of Chemistry , Florida International University , Miami , Florida 33199 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Plesivkova D, Richards R, Harbison S. A review of the potential of the MinION™ single‐molecule sequencing system for forensic applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Plesivkova
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Richards
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - SallyAnn Harbison
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd Auckland New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bradbury C, Köttgen A, Staubach F. Off-target phenotypes in forensic DNA phenotyping and biogeographic ancestry inference: A resource. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 38:93-104. [PMID: 30391626 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
With recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies it has become feasible and cost effective to genotype larger marker sets for forensic purposes. Two technologies that make use of the larger marker sets have come into focus in forensic research and applications; inference of biogeographic ancestry (BGA) and forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP). These methods hold the promise to reveal information about a yet unknown perpetrator from a DNA sample. In contrast, DNA-profiling, that is a standard practice in case work, relies on matching DNA-profiles between crime scene material and suspects on a database of DNA-profiles. Markers for DNA-profiling were developed under the premise to reveal as little additional information about the human source of the profile as possible, the rationale being that personal privacy rights have to be balanced against the public interest in solving a crime. The same argument holds for markers used in BGA and FDP; these markers might also reveal information on off-target phenotypes (OTPs), that go beyond BGA and the phenotypes targeted in FDP. In particular, health related OTPs might shift the balance between privacy protection and public interest. However, to our knowledge, there is currently no convenient resource available to incorporate knowledge on OTPs in BGA and FDP assay design and application. In order to provide such a resource, we performed a systematic search for OTPs associated with a comprehensive set of markers (1766 SNPs) used or suggested to be used for BGA inference and FDP. In this set, we identified a relatively small number of 27 SNPs (1.53%) that convey information on diverse health related OTPs such as cancer risk, induced asthma, or risk of alcoholism. Some of these SNPs are commonly used for FDP and BGA across different marker sets. We conclude that the effects of SNP markers used in FDP and BGA on OTPs are currently limited, with few exceptions that should be considered in a balanced decision on assay design and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Bradbury
- University College Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Köttgen
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Dept. of Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Staubach
- Institute of Biology I, Dept. of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|