1
|
Ambroa-Conde A, Casares de Cal MA, Gómez-Tato A, Robinson O, Mosquera-Miguel A, de la Puente M, Ruiz-Ramírez J, Phillips C, Lareu MV, Freire-Aradas A. Inference of tobacco and alcohol consumption habits from DNA methylation analysis of blood. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 70:103022. [PMID: 38309257 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103022] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation has become a biomarker of great interest in the forensic and clinical fields. In criminal investigations, the study of this epigenetic marker has allowed the development of DNA intelligence tools providing information that can be useful for investigators, such as age prediction. Following a similar trend, when the origin of a sample in a criminal scenario is unknown, the inference of an individual's lifestyle such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption could provide relevant information to help in the identification of DNA donors at the crime scene. At the same time, in the clinical domain, prediction of these trends of consumption could allow the identification of people at risk or better identification of the causes of different pathologies. In the present study, DNA methylation data from the UK AIRWAVE study was used to build two binomial logistic models for the inference of smoking and drinking status. A total of 348 individuals (116 non-smokers, 116 former smokers and 116 smokers) plus a total of 237 individuals (79 non-drinkers, 79 moderate drinkers and 79 drinkers) were used for development of tobacco and alcohol consumption prediction models, respectively. The tobacco prediction model was composed of two CpGs (cg05575921 in AHRR and cg01940273) and the alcohol prediction model three CpGs (cg06690548 in SLC7A11, cg0886875 and cg21294714 in MIR4435-2HG), providing correct classifications of 86.49% and 74.26%, respectively. Validation of the models was performed using leave-one-out cross-validation. Additionally, two independent testing sets were also assessed for tobacco and alcohol consumption. Considering that the consumption of these substances could underlie accelerated epigenetic ageing patterns, the effect of these lifestyles on the prediction of age was evaluated. To do that, a quantile regression model based on previous studies was generated, and the potential effect of tobacco and alcohol consumption with the epigenetic age was assessed. The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the residuals generated by the model and no significant differences were observed between the categories analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ambroa-Conde
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M A Casares de Cal
- CITMAga (Center for Mathematical Research and Technology of Galicia), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Gómez-Tato
- CITMAga (Center for Mathematical Research and Technology of Galicia), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - O Robinson
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Mosquera-Miguel
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M de la Puente
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - J Ruiz-Ramírez
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M V Lareu
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Freire-Aradas
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Castagnola MJ, Medina-Paz F, Zapico SC. Uncovering Forensic Evidence: A Path to Age Estimation through DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4917. [PMID: 38732129 PMCID: PMC11084977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094917] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Age estimation is a critical aspect of reconstructing a biological profile in forensic sciences. Diverse biochemical processes have been studied in their correlation with age, and the results have driven DNA methylation to the forefront as a promising biomarker. DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has been extensively studied in recent years for developing age estimation models in criminalistics and forensic anthropology. Epigenetic clocks, which analyze DNA sites undergoing hypermethylation or hypomethylation as individuals age, have paved the way for improved prediction models. A wide range of biomarkers and methods for DNA methylation analysis have been proposed, achieving different accuracies across samples and cell types. This review extensively explores literature from the past 5 years, showing scientific efforts toward the ultimate goal: applying age prediction models to assist in human identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Josefina Castagnola
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Francisco Medina-Paz
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Sara C. Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
- Department of Anthropology and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee SM, Loo C, Prasasya R, Bartolomei M, Kohli R, Zhou W. Low-input and single-cell methods for Infinium DNA methylation BeadChips. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e38. [PMID: 38407446 PMCID: PMC11040145 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Infinium BeadChip is the most widely used DNA methylome assay technology for population-scale epigenome profiling. However, the standard workflow requires over 200 ng of input DNA, hindering its application to small cell-number samples, such as primordial germ cells. We developed experimental and analysis workflows to extend this technology to suboptimal input DNA conditions, including ultra-low input down to single cells. DNA preamplification significantly enhanced detection rates to over 50% in five-cell samples and ∼25% in single cells. Enzymatic conversion also substantially improved data quality. Computationally, we developed a method to model the background signal's influence on the DNA methylation level readings. The modified detection P-value calculation achieved higher sensitivities for low-input datasets and was validated in over 100 000 public diverse methylome profiles. We employed the optimized workflow to query the demethylation dynamics in mouse primordial germ cells available at low cell numbers. Our data revealed nuanced chromatin states, sex disparities, and the role of DNA methylation in transposable element regulation during germ cell development. Collectively, we present comprehensive experimental and computational solutions to extend this widely used methylation assay technology to applications with limited DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sol Moe Lee
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christian E Loo
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rexxi D Prasasya
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rahul M Kohli
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wanding Zhou
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rothe J, Becker JM, Charchinezhadamouei M, Mähr S, Lembeck F, Dannemann N, Nagy M. Expanding the scope of methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE) PCR for forensic identification of body fluids through the novel use of methylation-dependent restriction enzymes (MDRE) and the combination of autosomal and Y-chromosomal markers. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:375-393. [PMID: 37875742 PMCID: PMC10861701 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03097-9] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Methylation-sensitive/-dependent restriction enzyme (MSRE/MDRE) PCR can be performed to detect hypomethylated or hypermethylated CpG sites. With the combined use of different tissue-specific CpG markers, MSRE/MDRE-PCR leads to tissue-specific methylation patterns (TSMPs), enabling the correlation of DNA samples to their source tissue. MSRE/MDRE assays can use the same platform as forensic STR typing and offer many advantages in the field of forensic body fluid detection. In the present study, we aimed to establish MSRE assays for the detection of blood, saliva, vaginal secretion, and semen, using markers from literature and from our own database search. We designed two different MSRE test-sets, which include two novel Y-chromosomal non-semen markers, and enable differentiation between female and male non-semen samples. Furthermore, we established an MSRE/MDRE semen approach, which includes only Y-chromosomal non-semen and semen markers. This Y-semen multiplex PCR utilizes the novel combination of the methylation-sensitive enzyme SmaI and the methylation-dependent enzyme GlaI, which enables more sensitive detection of male body fluids within male/female DNA mixtures. Our validation tests confirmed that MSRE/MDRE assays exhibit high sensitivity, similar to that of STR typing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rothe
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jessica Maria Becker
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maral Charchinezhadamouei
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophia Mähr
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felizitas Lembeck
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora Dannemann
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Nagy
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Turiello R, Nouwairi RL, Keller J, Cunha LL, Dignan LM, Landers JP. A rotationally-driven dynamic solid phase sodium bisulfite conversion disc for forensic epigenetic sample preparation. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 24:97-112. [PMID: 38019115 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00867c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The approaches to forensic human identification (HID) are largely comparative in nature, relying upon the comparison of short tandem repeat profiles to known reference materials and/or database profiles. However, many profiles are generated from evidence materials that either do not have a reference material for comparison or do not produce a database hit. As an alternative to individualizing analysis for HID, researchers of forensic DNA have demonstrated that the human epigenome can provide a wealth of information. However, epigenetic analysis requires sodium b̲is̲ulfite c̲onversion (BSC), a sample preparation method that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and characterized by DNA loss and fragmentation. To provide an alternative method for BSC that is more amenable to integration with the forensic DNA workflow, we describe a rotationally-driven, microfluidic method for dynamic solid phase-BSC (dSP-BSC) that streamlines the sample preparation process in an automated format, capable of preparing up to four samples in parallel. The method permitted decreased incubation intervals by ∼36% and was assessed for relative DNA recovery and conversion efficiency and compared to gold-standard and enzymatic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Turiello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - R L Nouwairi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - J Keller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - L L Cunha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - L M Dignan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - J P Landers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kotková L, Drábek J. Age-related changes in sperm DNA methylation and their forensic and clinical implications. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1157-1173. [PMID: 38031735 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0307] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As a link between a stable genome and a dynamic environment, epigenetics is a promising tool for mapping age-related changes in human DNA. Methylated cytosine changes at specific loci are generally less studied in sperm DNA than in somatic cell DNA. Age-related methylation changes can be connected to various reproductive health problems and multiple disorders in offspring. In addition, they can be helpful in forensic fields, where testing of specific loci in semen samples found at sexual assault crime scenes can predict a perpetrator's age and narrow down the police investigation. This review focuses on age-related methylation changes in sperm. It covers the biological role of methylation, methylation testing techniques and the implications of methylation changes in forensics and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Kotková
- Institute of Molecular & Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 77900, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Drábek
- Institute of Molecular & Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 77900, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang HX, Liu XZ, He XM, Xiao C, Huang DX, Yi SH. Identification of Mixtures of Two Types of Body Fluids Using the Multiplex Methylation System and Random Forest Models. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:908-918. [PMID: 37700190 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2770-1] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Body fluid mixtures are complex biological samples that frequently occur in crime scenes, and can provide important clues for criminal case analysis. DNA methylation assay has been applied in the identification of human body fluids, and has exhibited excellent performance in predicting single-source body fluids. The present study aims to develop a methylation SNaPshot multiplex system for body fluid identification, and accurately predict the mixture samples. In addition, the value of DNA methylation in the prediction of body fluid mixtures was further explored. METHODS In the present study, 420 samples of body fluid mixtures and 250 samples of single body fluids were tested using an optimized multiplex methylation system. Each kind of body fluid sample presented the specific methylation profiles of the 10 markers. RESULTS Significant differences in methylation levels were observed between the mixtures and single body fluids. For all kinds of mixtures, the Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significantly strong correlation between the methylation levels and component proportions (1:20, 1:10, 1:5, 1:1, 5:1, 10:1 and 20:1). Two random forest classification models were trained for the prediction of mixture types and the prediction of the mixture proportion of 2 components, based on the methylation levels of 10 markers. For the mixture prediction, Model-1 presented outstanding prediction accuracy, which reached up to 99.3% in 427 training samples, and had a remarkable accuracy of 100% in 243 independent test samples. For the mixture proportion prediction, Model-2 demonstrated an excellent accuracy of 98.8% in 252 training samples, and 98.2% in 168 independent test samples. The total prediction accuracy reached 99.3% for body fluid mixtures and 98.6% for the mixture proportions. CONCLUSION These results indicate the excellent capability and powerful value of the multiplex methylation system in the identification of forensic body fluid mixtures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Xiao Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao-Zhao Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xi-Miao He
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chao Xiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dai-Xin Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shao-Hua Yi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gautier L. Microbial forensics: what we've learned from Amerithrax and beyond. Biotechniques 2023; 75:129-132. [PMID: 37800360 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2023-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Amerithrax investigation into anthrax letter attacks in the USA forever changed the game in microbial forensics. Here we review the techniques used, then and now, to neutralize bioterrorism threats. [Formula: see text].
Collapse
|
9
|
Pośpiech E, Pisarek A, Rudnicka J, Noroozi R, Boroń M, Masny A, Wysocka B, Migacz-Gruszka K, Lisman D, Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Kobus M, Szargut M, Dowejko J, Stanisz K, Zacharczuk J, Zieliński P, Sitek A, Ossowski A, Spólnicka M, Branicki W. Introduction of a multiplex amplicon sequencing assay to quantify DNA methylation in target cytosine markers underlying four selected epigenetic clocks. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:128. [PMID: 37563670 PMCID: PMC10416531 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01545-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation analysis has proven to be a powerful tool for age assessment. However, the implementation of epigenetic age prediction in diagnostics or routine forensic casework requires appropriate laboratory methods. In this study, we aimed to compare the performance of large-scale DNA methylation analysis protocols that show promise in terms of accuracy, throughput, multiplexing capacity, and high sensitivity. RESULTS The protocols were designed to target a predefined panel of 161 genomic CG/CA sites from four known estimators of epigenetic age-related parameters, optimized and validated using artificially methylated controls or blood samples. We successfully targeted 96% of these loci using two enrichment protocols: Ion AmpliSeq™, an amplicon-based method integrated with Ion Torrent S5, and SureSelectXT Methyl-Seq, a hybridization-based method followed by MiSeq FGx sequencing. Both protocols demonstrated high accuracy and robustness. Although hybridization assays have greater multiplexing capabilities, the best overall performance was observed for the amplicon-based protocol with the lowest variability in DNA methylation at 25 ng of starting DNA, mean observed marker coverage of ~ 6.7 k reads, and accuracy of methylation quantification with a mean absolute difference between observed and expected methylation beta value of 0.054. The Ion AmpliSeq method correlated strongly with genome-scale EPIC microarray data (R = 0.91) and showed superiority in terms of methylation measurement accuracy. Method-to-method bias was accounted for by the use of linear transformation, which provided a highly accurate prediction of calendar age with a mean absolute error of less than 5 years for the VISAGE and Hannum age clocks used. The pace of aging (PoAm) and the mortality risk score (MRS) estimators included in our panel represent next-generation clocks, were found to have low to moderate correlations with the VISAGE and Hannum models (R < 0.75), and thus may capture different aspects of epigenetic aging. CONCLUSIONS We propose a laboratory tool that allows the quantification of DNA methylation in cytosines underlying four different clocks, thus providing broad information on epigenetic aging while maintaining a reasonable number of CpG markers, opening the way to a wide range of applications in forensics, medicine, and healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Pośpiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Pisarek
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Rudnicka
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Rezvan Noroozi
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Boroń
- Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Bożena Wysocka
- Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Migacz-Gruszka
- Department of Dermatology, Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dagmara Lisman
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Kobus
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Szargut
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Dowejko
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kamila Stanisz
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Julia Zacharczuk
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Piotr Zieliński
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ossowski
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bazyar H. On the Application of Microfluidic-Based Technologies in Forensics: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5856. [PMID: 37447704 PMCID: PMC10346202 DOI: 10.3390/s23135856] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is a powerful tool to enable the rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of forensically relevant evidence on a crime scene. This review paper provides a summary on the application of this technology in various forensic investigation fields spanning from forensic serology and human identification to discriminating and analyzing diverse classes of drugs and explosives. Each aspect is further explained by providing a short summary on general forensic workflow and investigations for body fluid identification as well as through the analysis of drugs and explosives. Microfluidic technology, including fabrication methodologies, materials, and working modules, are touched upon. Finally, the current shortcomings on the implementation of the microfluidic technology in the forensic field are discussed along with the future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Bazyar
- Engineering Thermodynamics, Process & Energy Department, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628CB Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vidaki A, Planterose Jiménez B, Poggiali B, Kalamara V, van der Gaag KJ, Maas SCE, Ghanbari M, Sijen T, Kayser M. Targeted DNA methylation analysis and prediction of smoking habits in blood based on massively parallel sequencing. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 65:102878. [PMID: 37116245 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a frequent habit sustained by > 1.3 billion people in 2020 and the leading preventable factor for health risk and premature mortality worldwide. In the forensic context, predicting smoking habits from biological samples may allow broadening DNA phenotyping. In this study, we aimed to implement previously published smoking habit classification models based on blood DNA methylation at 13 CpGs. First, we developed a matching lab tool based on bisulfite conversion and multiplex PCR followed by amplification-free library preparation and targeted paired-end massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Analysis of six technical duplicates revealed high reproducibility of methylation measurements (Pearson correlation of 0.983). Artificially methylated standards uncovered marker-specific amplification bias, which we corrected via bi-exponential models. We then applied our MPS tool to 232 blood samples from Europeans of a wide age range, of which 90 were current, 71 former and 71 never smokers. On average, we obtained 189,000 reads/sample and 15,000 reads/CpG, without marker drop-out. Methylation distributions per smoking category roughly corresponded to previous microarray analysis, showcasing large inter-individual variation but with technology-driven bias. Methylation at 11 out of 13 smoking-CpGs correlated with daily cigarettes in current smokers, while solely one was weakly correlated with time since cessation in former smokers. Interestingly, eight smoking-CpGs correlated with age, and one displayed weak but significant sex-associated methylation differences. Using bias-uncorrected MPS data, smoking habits were relatively accurately predicted using both two- (current/non-current) and three- (never/former/current) category model, but bias correction resulted in worse prediction performance for both models. Finally, to account for technology-driven variation, we built new, joint models with inter-technology corrections, which resulted in improved prediction results for both models, with or without PCR bias correction (e.g. MPS cross-validation F1-score > 0.8; 2-categories). Overall, our novel assay takes us one step closer towards the forensic application of viable smoking habit prediction from blood traces. However, future research is needed towards forensically validating the assay, especially in terms of sensitivity. We also need to further shed light on the employed biomarkers, particularly on the mechanistics, tissue specificity and putative confounders of smoking epigenetic signatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athina Vidaki
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Benjamin Planterose Jiménez
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Brando Poggiali
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vivian Kalamara
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Silvana C E Maas
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mohsen Ghanbari
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Titia Sijen
- Division of Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kayser M, Branicki W, Parson W, Phillips C. Recent advances in Forensic DNA Phenotyping of appearance, ancestry and age. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 65:102870. [PMID: 37084623 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) comprises the prediction of a person's externally visible characteristics regarding appearance, biogeographic ancestry and age from DNA of crime scene samples, to provide investigative leads to help find unknown perpetrators that cannot be identified with forensic STR-profiling. In recent years, FDP has advanced considerably in all of its three components, which we summarize in this review article. Appearance prediction from DNA has broadened beyond eye, hair and skin color to additionally comprise other traits such as eyebrow color, freckles, hair structure, hair loss in men, and tall stature. Biogeographic ancestry inference from DNA has progressed from continental ancestry to sub-continental ancestry detection and the resolving of co-ancestry patterns in genetically admixed individuals. Age estimation from DNA has widened beyond blood to more somatic tissues such as saliva and bones as well as new markers and tools for semen. Technological progress has allowed forensically suitable DNA technology with largely increased multiplex capacity for the simultaneous analysis of hundreds of DNA predictors with targeted massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Forensically validated MPS-based FDP tools for predicting from crime scene DNA i) several appearance traits, ii) multi-regional ancestry, iii) several appearance traits together with multi-regional ancestry, and iv) age from different tissue types, are already available. Despite recent advances that will likely increase the impact of FDP in criminal casework in the near future, moving reliable appearance, ancestry and age prediction from crime scene DNA to the level of detail and accuracy police investigators may desire, requires further intensified scientific research together with technical developments and forensic validations as well as the necessary funding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland,; Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Forensic Age Estimation through a DNA Methylation-Based Age Prediction Model in the Italian Population: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065381. [PMID: 36982454 PMCID: PMC10049185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic marks which has been studied intensively in recent years for age predicting purposes in the forensic area. In order to integrate age prediction into routine forensic workflow, the purpose of this study was to standardize and optimize a DNA methylation-based protocol tailored to the Italian context. A previously published protocol and age-predictive method was implemented for the analysis of 84 blood samples originating from Central Italy. The study here presented is based on the Single Base Extension method, considering five genes: ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, C1orf132, now identified as MIR29B2C, and TRIM59. The precise and specific steps consist of DNA extraction and quantification, bisulfite conversion, amplification of converted DNA, first purification, single base extension, second purification, capillary electrophoresis, and analysis of the results to train and test the tool. The prediction error obtained, expressed as mean absolute deviation, showed a value of 3.12 years in the training set and 3.01 years in the test set. Given that population-based differences in DNA methylation patterns have been previously reported in the literature, it would be useful to further improve the study implementing additional samples representative of the entire Italian population.
Collapse
|
14
|
Turiello R, Nouwairi RL, Landers JP. Taking the microfluidic approach to nucleic acid analysis in forensics: Review and perspectives. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102824. [PMID: 36592574 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories are universally acknowledged as being overburdened, underfunded, and in need of improved analytical methods to expedite investigations, decrease the costs associated with nucleic acid (NA) analysis, and perform human identification (HID) at the point of need (e.g., crime scene, booking station, etc.). In response, numerous research and development (R&D) efforts have resulted in microfluidic tools that automate portions of the forensic genetic workflow, including DNA extraction, amplification, and short tandem repeat (STR) typing. By the early 2000 s, reports from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) anticipated that microfluidic 'swab-in-profile-out' systems would be available for use at the crime scene by 2015 and the FBI's 2010 'Rapid DNA' Initiative, approved by Congress in 2017, directed this effort by guiding the development and implementation of maturing systems. At present, few fully-automated microfluidic DNA technologies are commercially available for forensic HID and their adoption by agencies interested in identification has been limited. In practice, the integration of complex laboratory processes to produce one autonomous unit, along with the highly variable nature of forensic input samples, resulted in systems that are more expensive per sample and not comparable to gold-standard identification methods in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility, and multiplex capability. This Review and Perspective provides insight into the contributing factors to this outcome; namely, we focus on the complications associated with the tremendous undertaking that is developing a sample-in-answer-out platform for HID. For context, we also describe the intricate forensic landscape that contributes to a nuanced marketplace, not easily distilled down to cases of simple supply and demand. Moving forward and considering the trade-offs associated with developing methods to compete, sometimes directly, with conventional ones, we recommend a focus shift for microfluidics developers toward the creation of innovative solutions for emerging applications in the field to increase the bandwidth of the forensic investigative toolkit. Likewise, we urge case working personnel to reframe how they conceptualize the currently available Rapid DNA tools; rather than comparing these microfluidic methods to gold-standard procedures, take advantage of their rapid and integrated modes for those situations requiring expedited identifications in an informed manner.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ghemrawi M, Tejero NF, Duncan G, McCord B. Pyrosequencing: Current forensic methodology and future applications-a review. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:298-312. [PMID: 36168852 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of small, single-amplicon-based benchtop systems for pyrosequencing has opened up a host of novel procedures for applications in forensic science. Pyrosequencing is a sequencing by synthesis technique, based on chemiluminescent inorganic pyrophosphate detection. This review explains the pyrosequencing workflow and illustrates the step-by-step chemistry, followed by a description of the assay design and factors to keep in mind for an exemplary assay. Existing and potential forensic applications are highlighted using this technology. Current applications include identifying species, identifying bodily fluids, and determining smoking status. We also review progress in potential applications for the future, including research on distinguishing monozygotic twins, detecting alcohol and drug abuse, and other phenotypic characteristics such as diet and body mass index. Overall, the versatility of the pyrosequencing technologies renders it a useful tool in forensic genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Ghemrawi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nicole Fernandez Tejero
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - George Duncan
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Bruce McCord
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Epigenetic clock: A promising biomarker and practical tool in aging. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101743. [PMID: 36206857 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
As a complicated process, aging is characterized by various changes at the cellular, subcellular and nuclear levels, one of which is epigenetic aging. With increasing awareness of the critical role that epigenetic alternations play in aging, DNA methylation patterns have been employed as a measure of biological age, currently referred to as the epigenetic clock. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epigenetic clock as a biomarker of aging and a useful tool to manage healthy aging. In this burgeoning scientific field, various kinds of epigenetic clocks continue to emerge, including Horvath's clock, Hannum's clock, DNA PhenoAge, and DNA GrimAge. We hereby present the most classic epigenetic clocks, as well as their differences. Correlations of epigenetic age with morbidity, mortality and other factors suggest the potential of epigenetic clocks for risk prediction and identification in the context of aging. In particular, we summarize studies on promising age-reversing interventions, with epigenetic clocks employed as a practical tool in the efficacy evaluation. We also discuss how the lack of higher-quality information poses a major challenge, and offer some suggestions to address existing obstacles. Hopefully, our review will help provide an appropriate understanding of the epigenetic clocks, thereby enabling novel insights into the aging process and how it can be manipulated to promote healthy aging.
Collapse
|
17
|
Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity: Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061398. [PMID: 35740419 PMCID: PMC9219842 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance legislations and increasing the pharmacotoxicological effects. To date, research into the acute pharmacological effects of new NPSs is ongoing and necessary in order to provide an appropriate contribution to public health. In fact, multiple examples of NPS-related acute intoxication and mortality have been recorded in the literature. Accordingly, several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the pharmacotoxicological profiles of these compounds, revealing that they can cause adverse effects involving various organ systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory effects) and highlighting their potential increased consumption risks. In this sense, NPSs should be regarded as a complex issue that requires continuous monitoring. Moreover, knowledge of long-term NPS effects is lacking. Because genetic and environmental variables may impact NPS responses, epigenetics may aid in understanding the processes behind the harmful events induced by long-term NPS usage. Taken together, “pharmacoepigenomics” may provide a new field of combined study on genetic differences and epigenetic changes in drug reactions that might be predictive in forensic implications.
Collapse
|
18
|
Unlocking the potential of forensic traces: Analytical approaches to generate investigative leads. Sci Justice 2022; 62:310-326. [PMID: 35598924 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Forensic investigation involves gathering the information necessary to understand the criminal events as well as linking objects or individuals to an item, location or other individual(s) for investigative purposes. For years techniques such as presumptive chemical tests, DNA profiling or fingermark analysis have been of great value to this process. However, these techniques have their limitations, whether it is a lack of confidence in the results obtained due to cross-reactivity, subjectivity and low sensitivity; or because they are dependent on holding reference samples in a pre-existing database. There is currently a need to devise new ways to gather as much information as possible from a single trace, particularly from biological traces commonly encountered in forensic casework. This review outlines the most recent advancements in the forensic analysis of biological fluids, fingermarks and hair. Special emphasis is placed on analytical methods that can expand the information obtained from the trace beyond what is achieved in the usual practices. Special attention is paid to those methods that accurately determine the nature of the sample, as well as how long it has been at the crime scene, along with individualising information regarding the donor source of the trace.
Collapse
|
19
|
Christiansen SN, Andersen JD, Kampmann ML, Liu J, Andersen MM, Tfelt-Hansen J, Morling N. Reproducibility of the Infinium methylationEPIC BeadChip assay using low DNA amounts. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1636-1645. [PMID: 35356867 PMCID: PMC9621037 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2051861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (EPIC) is a reliable method for measuring the DNA methylation of more than 850,000 CpG positions. In clinical and forensic settings, it is critical to be able to work with low DNA amounts without risking reduced reproducibility. We evaluated the EPIC for a range of DNA amounts using two-fold serial dilutions investigated on two different days. While the β-value distributions were generally unaffected by decreasing DNA amounts, the median squared Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R2) of between-days β-value comparisons decreased from 0.994 (500 ng DNA) to 0.957 (16 ng DNA). The median standard deviation of the β-values was 0.005 and up to 0.017 (median of medians: 0.014) for β-values around 0.6–0.7. With decreasing amounts of DNA from 500 ng to 16 ng, the percentage of probes with standard deviations ≤ 0.1 decreased from 99.9% to 99.4%. This study showed that high reproducibility results are obtained with DNA amounts in the range 125–500 ng DNA, while DNA amounts equal to 63 ng or below gave less reproducible results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffan Noe Christiansen
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Marie-Louise Kampmann
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Jing Liu
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark.,Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mikkel Meyer Andersen
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark.,Department of Mathematical Sciences, Aalborg University, Aalborg Denmark
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark.,The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Morling
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang X, Liu Y, Liu H, Pan W, Ren J, Zheng X, Tan Y, Chen Z, Deng Y, He N, Chen H, Li S. Recent advances and application of whole genome amplification in molecular diagnosis and medicine. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e116. [PMID: 35281794 PMCID: PMC8906466 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole genome amplification (WGA) is a technology for non-selective amplification of the whole genome sequence, first appearing in 1992. Its primary purpose is to amplify and reflect the whole genome of trace tissues and single cells without sequence bias and to provide sufficient DNA template for subsequent multigene and multilocus analysis, along with comprehensive genome research. WGA provides a method to obtain a large amount of genetic information from a small amount of DNA and provides a valuable tool for preserving limited samples in molecular biology. WGA technology is especially suitable for forensic identification and genetic disease research, along with new technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). In addition, WGA is also widely used in single-cell sequencing. Due to the small amount of DNA in a single cell, it is often unable to meet the amount of samples needed for sequencing, so WGA is generally used to achieve the amplification of trace samples. This paper reviews WGA methods based on different principles, summarizes both amplification principle and amplification quality, and discusses the application prospects and challenges of WGA technology in molecular diagnosis and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Yapeng Liu
- School of Early‐Childhood Education, Nanjing Xiaozhuang UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hongna Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Wenjing Pan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Jie Ren
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Xiangming Zheng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Yimin Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Zhu Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Yan Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Nongyue He
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hui Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| | - Song Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and DevicesHunan University of TechnologyZhuzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dupras C, Bunnik EM. Toward a Framework for Assessing Privacy Risks in Multi-Omic Research and Databases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2021; 21:46-64. [PMID: 33433298 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2020.1863516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While the accumulation and increased circulation of genomic data have captured much attention over the past decade, privacy risks raised by the diversification and integration of omics have been largely overlooked. In this paper, we propose the outline of a framework for assessing privacy risks in multi-omic research and databases. Following a comparison of privacy risks associated with genomic and epigenomic data, we dissect ten privacy risk-impacting omic data properties that affect either the risk of re-identification of research participants, or the sensitivity of the information potentially conveyed by biological data. We then propose a three-step approach for the assessment of privacy risks in the multi-omic era. Thus, we lay grounds for a data property-based, 'pan-omic' approach that moves away from genetic exceptionalism. We conclude by inviting our peers to refine these theoretical foundations, put them to the test in their respective fields, and translate our approach into practical guidance.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wienroth M, Granja R, Lipphardt V, Nsiah Amoako E, McCartney C. Ethics as Lived Practice. Anticipatory Capacity and Ethical Decision-Making in Forensic Genetics. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1868. [PMID: 34946816 PMCID: PMC8701090 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Greater scrutiny and demands for innovation and increased productivity place pressures on scientists. Forensic genetics is advancing at a rapid pace but can only do so responsibly, usefully, and acceptably within ethical and legal boundaries. We argue that such boundaries require that forensic scientists embrace 'ethics as lived practice'. As a starting point, we critically discuss 'thin' ethics in forensic genetics, which lead to a myopic focus on procedures, and to seeing 'privacy' as the sole ethical concern and technology as a mere tool. To overcome 'thin' ethics in forensic genetics, we instead propose understanding ethics as an intrinsic part of the lived practice of a scientist. Therefore, we explore, within the context of three case studies of emerging forensic genetics technologies, ethical aspects of decision-making in forensic genetics research and in technology use. We discuss the creation, curation, and use of databases, and the need to engage with societal and policing contexts of forensic practice. We argue that open communication is a vital ethical aspect. Adoption of 'ethics as lived practice' supports the development of anticipatory capacity-empowering scientists to understand, and act within ethical and legal boundaries, incorporating the operational and societal impacts of their daily decisions, and making visible ethical decision making in scientific practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wienroth
- Centre for Crime and Policing, Department of Social Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Rafaela Granja
- Communication and Society Research Centre, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Veronika Lipphardt
- University College Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Nsiah Amoako
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Carole McCartney
- Science & Justice Research Interest Group, Law School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Maas SCE, Vidaki A, Teumer A, Costeira R, Wilson R, van Dongen J, Beekman M, Völker U, Grabe HJ, Kunze S, Ladwig KH, van Meurs JBJ, Uitterlinden AG, Voortman T, Boomsma DI, Slagboom PE, van Heemst D, van der Kallen CJH, van den Berg LH, Waldenberger M, Völzke H, Peters A, Bell JT, Ikram MA, Ghanbari M, Kayser M. Validating biomarkers and models for epigenetic inference of alcohol consumption from blood. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:198. [PMID: 34702360 PMCID: PMC8549335 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information on long-term alcohol consumption is relevant for medical and public health research, disease therapy, and other areas. Recently, DNA methylation-based inference of alcohol consumption from blood was reported with high accuracy, but these results were based on employing the same dataset for model training and testing, which can lead to accuracy overestimation. Moreover, only subsets of alcohol consumption categories were used, which makes it impossible to extrapolate such models to the general population. By using data from eight population-based European cohorts (N = 4677), we internally and externally validated the previously reported biomarkers and models for epigenetic inference of alcohol consumption from blood and developed new models comprising all data from all categories. Results By employing data from six European cohorts (N = 2883), we empirically tested the reproducibility of the previously suggested biomarkers and prediction models via ten-fold internal cross-validation. In contrast to previous findings, all seven models based on 144-CpGs yielded lower mean AUCs compared to the models with less CpGs. For instance, the 144-CpG heavy versus non-drinkers model gave an AUC of 0.78 ± 0.06, while the 5 and 23 CpG models achieved 0.83 ± 0.05, respectively. The transportability of the models was empirically tested via external validation in three independent European cohorts (N = 1794), revealing high AUC variance between datasets within models. For instance, the 144-CpG heavy versus non-drinkers model yielded AUCs ranging from 0.60 to 0.84 between datasets. The newly developed models that considered data from all categories showed low AUCs but gave low AUC variation in the external validation. For instance, the 144-CpG heavy and at-risk versus light and non-drinkers model achieved AUCs of 0.67 ± 0.02 in the internal cross-validation and 0.61–0.66 in the external validation datasets. Conclusions The outcomes of our internal and external validation demonstrate that the previously reported prediction models suffer from both overfitting and accuracy overestimation. Our results show that the previously proposed biomarkers are not yet sufficient for accurate and robust inference of alcohol consumption from blood. Overall, our findings imply that DNA methylation prediction biomarkers and models need to be improved considerably before epigenetic inference of alcohol consumption from blood can be considered for practical applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01186-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana C E Maas
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Athina Vidaki
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Teumer
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.,Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ricardo Costeira
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Rory Wilson
- Research Unit Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jenny van Dongen
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Beekman
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Völker
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.,Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sonja Kunze
- Research Unit Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Ladwig
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Joyce B J van Meurs
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André G Uitterlinden
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Voortman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Eline Slagboom
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diana van Heemst
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carla J H van der Kallen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 EG, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 EG, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Waldenberger
- Research Unit Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Research Unit Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometrics, and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mohsen Ghanbari
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Huang H, Liu X, Cheng J, Xu L, He X, Xiao C, Huang D, Yi S. A novel multiplex assay system based on 10 methylation markers for forensic identification of body fluids. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:136-148. [PMID: 34431515 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the source of body fluids found at a crime scene is an essential forensic step. Some methods based on DNA methylation played significant role in body fluids identification. Since DNA methylation is related to multiple factors, such as race, age, and diseases, it is necessary to know the methylation profile of a given population. In this study, we tested 19 body fluid-specific methylation markers in a Chinese Han population. A novel multiplex assay system based on the selected markers with smaller variation in methylation and stronger tissue-specific methylation were developed for the identification of body fluids. The multiplex assay were tested in 265 body fluid samples. A random forest model was established to predict the tissue source based on the methylation data of the 10 markers. The multiplex assay was evaluated by testing the sensitivity, the mixtures, and old samples. For the result, the novel multiplex assay based on 10 selected methylation markers presented good methylation profiles in all tested samples. The random forest model worked extremely well in predicting the source of body fluids, with an accuracy of 100% and 97.5% in training data and test data, respectively. The multiplex assay could accurately predict the tissue source from 0.5 ng genomic DNA, six-months-old samples and distinguish the minor component from a mixture of two components. Our results indicated that the methylation multiplex assay and the random forest model could provide a convenient tool for forensic practitioners in body fluid identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of the Forensic Science, Hubei University of Police, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaozhao Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juanbo Cheng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Linxia Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ximiao He
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Xiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Daixin Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaohua Yi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Epigenetic age prediction in semen - marker selection and model development. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:19145-19164. [PMID: 34375949 PMCID: PMC8386575 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation analysis is becoming increasingly useful in biomedical research and forensic practice. The discovery of differentially methylated sites (DMSs) that continuously change over an individual's lifetime has led to breakthroughs in molecular age estimation. Although semen samples are often used in forensic DNA analysis, previous epigenetic age prediction studies mainly focused on somatic cell types. Here, Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays were applied to semen-derived DNA samples, which identified numerous novel DMSs moderately correlated with age. Validation of the ten most age-correlated novel DMSs and three previously known sites in an independent set of semen-derived DNA samples using targeted bisulfite massively parallel sequencing, confirmed age-correlation for nine new and three previously known markers. Prediction modelling revealed the best model for semen, based on 6 CpGs from newly identified genes SH2B2, EXOC3, IFITM2, and GALR2 as well as the previously known FOLH1B gene, which predict age with a mean absolute error of 5.1 years in an independent test set. Further increases in the accuracy of age prediction from semen DNA will require technological progress to allow sensitive, simultaneous analysis of a much larger number of age correlated DMSs from the compromised DNA typical of forensic semen stains.
Collapse
|
26
|
Gurkan C, Bulbul O, Kidd KK. Editorial: Current and Emerging Trends in Human Identification and Molecular Anthropology. Front Genet 2021; 12:708222. [PMID: 34249111 PMCID: PMC8262838 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.708222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Gurkan
- Turkish Cypriot DNA Laboratory, Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Member's Office, Nicosia, Turkey.,Dr. Fazil Küçük Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Bulbul
- Institute of Forensic Science, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenneth K Kidd
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Naue J, Winkelmann J, Schmidt U, Lutz-Bonengel S. Analysis of age-dependent DNA methylation changes in plucked hair samples using massive parallel sequencing. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-021-00487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe analysis of age-dependent DNA methylation changes is a valuable tool in epigenetic research and forensic genetics. With some exceptions, most studies in the past concentrated on the analysis of blood, buccal, and saliva samples. Another important sample type in forensic investigations is hair, where age-dependent DNA methylation has not been investigated so far. In this pilot study a deeper look was taken at the possibilities and challenges of DNA methylation analysis in hair. The DNA methylation of selected age-dependent 5’-C-phosphate-G‑3’ (CpG) sites were characterized for their potential use as a biomarker for age prediction using plucked hair samples and massive parallel sequencing. Plucked hair roots of 49 individuals were included in the study. The DNA methylation of 31 hairs was successfully analyzed. The DNA methylation pattern of 10 loci, including ELOVL2, F5, KLF14, and TRIM59, was determined by amplicon-based massive parallel sequencing. Age-dependent changes were found for several markers. The results demonstrate the possible use of already established age-dependent markers but at the same time they have tissue/cell type-specific characteristics. Special challenges such as low amounts of DNA and degraded DNA as well as the possible heterogeneous cellular composition of plucked hair samples, have to be considered.
Collapse
|
28
|
Validation of BMI genetic risk score and DNA methylation in a Korean population. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1201-1212. [PMID: 33594455 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02517-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
When DNA profiles obtained from biological evidence at a crime scene fail to match suspects or anyone in the database, forensic DNA phenotyping, which is the prediction of externally visible characteristics, can facilitate a traced search for an unknown suspect by limiting the search range. Therefore, age, trait, or lifestyle predictors, as well as the predictor for colorations, have been researched in the forensic field. In the present study, for the development of a prediction model for BMI or obesity, we investigated several previously reported BMI- or obesity-associated genetic and epigenetic markers that included four CpGs (cg06500161, cg00574958, cg12593793, and cg10505902 of the ABCG1, CPT1A, LMNA, and PDE4DIP genes, respectively), and eight SNPs (rs12463617, rs1558902, rs591166, rs11030104, rs11671664, rs6545814, rs16858082, and rs574367 near the TMEM18, FTO, MC4R, BDNF, GIPR/QPCTL, ADCY3/RBJ, GNPDA2, and SEC16B genes, respectively) in 700 Koreans within the BMI ranging from 16.1 to 40.6 (27.6 ± 4.5) kg/m2. Linear regression analysis showed that DNA methylation of the four CpG sites explained 10.9% total variance in BMI, and the model constructed using age information, genetic score from eight SNPs, and DNA methylation at four CpG sites could account for 17.4% of BMI variance. Using data mining techniques, i.e., decision tree (Entropy and Gini), random forest, and bagging, a total of eight models with BMI 31 or 32 as a cutoff value were also constructed based on the data obtained from 490 training samples with age and sex as a covariate. Among them, a random forest model with a cutoff value of 31 showed the best performance with 63.3% accuracy and the AUC value of 0.682 in 210 test set samples. In the present study, we could replicate the previous finding that DNA methylation contributes more to BMI than do genetic factors. In addition, although the accuracy for the prediction of BMI was not high, our study is meaningful in respect of the ability to use a small number of markers to achieve similar prediction accuracy to that obtained from a model composed of more than a thousand markers, which adds support to continued research to identify a small set of predictive markers for practical application in the forensic field.
Collapse
|
29
|
Planterose Jiménez B, Liu F, Caliebe A, Montiel González D, Bell JT, Kayser M, Vidaki A. Equivalent DNA methylation variation between monozygotic co-twins and unrelated individuals reveals universal epigenetic inter-individual dissimilarity. Genome Biol 2021; 22:18. [PMID: 33402197 PMCID: PMC7786996 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the genomes of monozygotic twins are practically identical, their methylomes may evolve divergently throughout their lifetime as a consequence of factors such as the environment or aging. Particularly for young and healthy monozygotic twins, DNA methylation divergence, if any, may be restricted to stochastic processes occurring post-twinning during embryonic development and early life. However, to what extent such stochastic mechanisms can systematically provide a stable source of inter-individual epigenetic variation remains uncertain until now. RESULTS We enriched for inter-individual stochastic variation by using an equivalence testing-based statistical approach on whole blood methylation microarray data from healthy adolescent monozygotic twins. As a result, we identified 333 CpGs displaying similarly large methylation variation between monozygotic co-twins and unrelated individuals. Although their methylation variation surpasses measurement error and is stable in a short timescale, susceptibility to aging is apparent in the long term. Additionally, 46% of these CpGs were replicated in adipose tissue. The identified sites are significantly enriched at the clustered protocadherin loci, known for stochastic methylation in developing neurons. We also confirmed an enrichment in monozygotic twin DNA methylation discordance at these loci in whole genome bisulfite sequencing data from blood and adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS We have isolated a component of stochastic methylation variation, distinct from genetic influence, measurement error, and epigenetic drift. Biomarkers enriched in this component may serve in the future as the basis for universal epigenetic fingerprinting, relevant for instance in the discrimination of monozygotic twin individuals in forensic applications, currently impossible with standard DNA profiling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Planterose Jiménez
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Amke Caliebe
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Diego Montiel González
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordana T. Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Athina Vidaki
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fujimoto S, Hamano Y, Ichioka K, Manabe S, Hirai E, Ogawa O, Tamaki K. Rapid semen identification from mixed body fluids using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting analysis of the DACT1 gene. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 48:101806. [PMID: 33189063 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In forensic genetics, a suspect is assigned to a component of a DNA mixture profile, and a probabilistic interpretation is then usually performed. However, it is difficult to determine what types of body fluid the component is from. Previous studies have reported that the fourth exon of the Dishevelled binding antagonist of beta catenin 1 (DACT1) gene is hypomethylated in a semen DNA-specific manner. In the present study, we evaluated whether the DACT1 gene could be effectively used to identify semen in body fluid mixtures and were able to semi-quantify the semen DNA content in mixed fluids. Our results showed that the DACT1 gene was useful in discriminating semen from venous blood and saliva. However, the amount of sperm in semen can affect semen identification. In addition, SI (the semen DNA content index), which we developed, was useful to determine whether the semen compromised majority, almost half, or was in the minority of the components in a mixed fluid. This technique is based on the methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) technology, which is time-, cost-, and labour-effective, and could be adopted in routine criminal investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Fujimoto
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Hamano
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Forensic Science Laboratory, Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ichioka
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Ichioka Urological Clinic, Symphonia-Oike1F, Higashinotoin-Nijo Sagaru, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sho Manabe
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eriko Hirai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Ogawa
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiji Tamaki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kling T, Wenger A, Carén H. DNA methylation-based age estimation in pediatric healthy tissues and brain tumors. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21037-21056. [PMID: 33168783 PMCID: PMC7695434 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several DNA methylation clocks have been developed to reflect chronological age of human tissues, but most clocks have been trained on adult samples. The rapid methylome changes in children and the role of epigenetics in pediatric tumors calls for tools accurately estimating methylation age in children. We aimed to evaluate seven methylation clocks in multiple tissues from healthy children to inform future studies on the optimal clock for pediatric cohorts, and analyzed the methylation age in brain tumors. We found that clocks trained on pediatric samples were the best in all tested tissues, highlighting the need for dedicated clocks. For blood samples, the Skin and blood clock had the best correlation with chronological age, while PedBE was the most accurate for saliva and buccal samples, and Horvath for brain tissue. Horvath methylation age was accelerated in pediatric brain tumors and the acceleration was subtype-specific for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), ependymoma, medulloblastoma and glioma. The subtypes with the highest acceleration corresponded to the worst prognostic categories in ATRT, ependymoma and glioma, whereas the relationship was reversed in medulloblastoma. This suggests that methylation age has potential as a prognostic biomarker in pediatric brain tumors and should be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresia Kling
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Wenger
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Carén
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kader F, Ghai M, Zhou M. Ethnicity, age and disease-associated variation in body fluid-specific CpG sites in a diverse South African cohort. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110372. [PMID: 32623090 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110372] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-specific differential DNA methylation has been an attractive target for the development of markers for discrimination of body fluids found at crime scenes. Though mostly stable, DNA methylation patterns have been shown to vary between different ethnic groups, in different age groups as well as between healthy and diseased individuals. To the best of our knowledge, none of the markers for body fluid identification have been applied to different ethnic groups to ascertain if variability exists. In the present study, saliva and blood were collected to determine the effects of ethnicity (Blacks, Whites, Coloureds and Indians), age (20-30 years, 40-50years and above 60 years) and diabetes on methylation profiles of potential saliva- and blood-specific DMSs. Both DMSs were previously shown to exhibit hypermethylation in their target body fluids at single CpG sites, however in the present study, additional CpG sites flanking the reported sites were also screened. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that Coloureds showed highest methylation levels for both body fluids, and blacks displayed significant differences between other ethnic groups in the blood-specific CpG sites. A decline in methylation for both potential DMRs was observed with increasing age. Heavily methylated CpG sites in different ethnic groups and previously reported DMSs displayed hypomethylation with increasing age and disease status. Diabetic status did not show any significant difference in methylation when compared to healthy counterparts. Thus, the use of methylation markers for forensics needs thorough investigation of influence of external factors and ideally, several CpG sites should be co-analysed instead of a single DMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzeen Kader
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Meenu Ghai
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Marvellous Zhou
- South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Mount Edgecombe, Durban, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Burghardt KJ, Khoury AS, Msallaty Z, Yi Z, Seyoum B. Antipsychotic Medications and DNA Methylation in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review. Pharmacotherapy 2020; 40:331-342. [PMID: 32058614 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacoepigenetics of antipsychotic treatment in severe mental illness is a growing area of research that aims to understand the interface between antipsychotic treatment and genetic regulation. Pharmacoepigenetics may some day assist in identifying treatment response mechanisms or become one of the components in the implementation of precision medicine. To understand the current evidence regarding the effects of antipsychotics on DNA methylation a systematic review with qualitative synthesis was performed through Pubmed, Embase and Psychinfo from earliest data to June 2019. Studies were included if they analyzed DNA methylation in an antipsychotic-treated population of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Data extraction occurred via a standardized format and study quality was assessed. Twenty-nine studies were identified for inclusion. Study design, antipsychotic type, sample source, and methods of DNA methylation measurement varied across all studies. Eighteen studies analyzed methylation in patients with schizophrenia, four studies in patients with bipolar disorder, and seven studies in a combined sample of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Twenty-two studies used observational samples whereas the remainder used prospectively treated samples. Six studies assessed global methylation, five assessed epigenome-wide, and 15 performed a candidate epigenetic study. Two studies analyzed both global and gene-specific methylation, whereas one study performed a simultaneous epigenome-wide and gene-specific study. Only three genes were analyzed in more than one gene-specific study and the findings were discordant. The state of the pharmacoepigenetic literature on antipsychotic use is still in its early stages and uniform reporting of methylation site information is needed. Future work should concentrate on using prospective sampling with appropriate control groups and begin to replicate many of the novel associations that have been reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Burghardt
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Audrey S Khoury
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zaher Msallaty
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zhengping Yi
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Berhane Seyoum
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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
|
35
|
Education and training in microbial forensics. MICROBIAL FORENSICS 2020. [PMCID: PMC7153755 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-815379-6.00032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
36
|
Bell CG, Lowe R, Adams PD, Baccarelli AA, Beck S, Bell JT, Christensen BC, Gladyshev VN, Heijmans BT, Horvath S, Ideker T, Issa JPJ, Kelsey KT, Marioni RE, Reik W, Relton CL, Schalkwyk LC, Teschendorff AE, Wagner W, Zhang K, Rakyan VK. DNA methylation aging clocks: challenges and recommendations. Genome Biol 2019; 20:249. [PMID: 31767039 PMCID: PMC6876109 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 410] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic clocks comprise a set of CpG sites whose DNA methylation levels measure subject age. These clocks are acknowledged as a highly accurate molecular correlate of chronological age in humans and other vertebrates. Also, extensive research is aimed at their potential to quantify biological aging rates and test longevity or rejuvenating interventions. Here, we discuss key challenges to understand clock mechanisms and biomarker utility. This requires dissecting the drivers and regulators of age-related changes in single-cell, tissue- and disease-specific models, as well as exploring other epigenomic marks, longitudinal and diverse population studies, and non-human models. We also highlight important ethical issues in forensic age determination and predicting the trajectory of biological aging in an individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Robert Lowe
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Peter D Adams
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Stephan Beck
- Medical Genomics, Paul O'Gorman Building, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Bastiaan T Heijmans
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, Gonda Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Trey Ideker
- San Diego Center for Systems Biology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Karl T Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Caroline L Relton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | | | - Andrew E Teschendorff
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen Faculty of Medicine, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kang Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau.
| | - Vardhman K Rakyan
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Maas SCE, Vidaki A, Wilson R, Teumer A, Liu F, van Meurs JBJ, Uitterlinden AG, Boomsma DI, de Geus EJC, Willemsen G, van Dongen J, van der Kallen CJH, Slagboom PE, Beekman M, van Heemst D, van den Berg LH, Duijts L, Jaddoe VWV, Ladwig KH, Kunze S, Peters A, Ikram MA, Grabe HJ, Felix JF, Waldenberger M, Franco OH, Ghanbari M, Kayser M. Validated inference of smoking habits from blood with a finite DNA methylation marker set. Eur J Epidemiol 2019; 34:1055-1074. [PMID: 31494793 PMCID: PMC6861351 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-019-00555-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inferring a person’s smoking habit and history from blood is relevant for complementing or replacing self-reports in epidemiological and public health research, and for forensic applications. However, a finite DNA methylation marker set and a validated statistical model based on a large dataset are not yet available. Employing 14 epigenome-wide association studies for marker discovery, and using data from six population-based cohorts (N = 3764) for model building, we identified 13 CpGs most suitable for inferring smoking versus non-smoking status from blood with a cumulative Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.901. Internal fivefold cross-validation yielded an average AUC of 0.897 ± 0.137, while external model validation in an independent population-based cohort (N = 1608) achieved an AUC of 0.911. These 13 CpGs also provided accurate inference of current (average AUCcrossvalidation 0.925 ± 0.021, AUCexternalvalidation0.914), former (0.766 ± 0.023, 0.699) and never smoking (0.830 ± 0.019, 0.781) status, allowed inferring pack-years in current smokers (10 pack-years 0.800 ± 0.068, 0.796; 15 pack-years 0.767 ± 0.102, 0.752) and inferring smoking cessation time in former smokers (5 years 0.774 ± 0.024, 0.760; 10 years 0.766 ± 0.033, 0.764; 15 years 0.767 ± 0.020, 0.754). Model application to children revealed highly accurate inference of the true non-smoking status (6 years of age: accuracy 0.994, N = 355; 10 years: 0.994, N = 309), suggesting prenatal and passive smoking exposure having no impact on model applications in adults. The finite set of DNA methylation markers allow accurate inference of smoking habit, with comparable accuracy as plasma cotinine use, and smoking history from blood, which we envision becoming useful in epidemiology and public health research, and in medical and forensic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana C E Maas
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Athina Vidaki
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rory Wilson
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Teumer
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau-Str. 48, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, 100049 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Joyce B J van Meurs
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André G Uitterlinden
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 7-9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eco J C de Geus
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 7-9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gonneke Willemsen
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 7-9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny van Dongen
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 7-9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla J H van der Kallen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Randwycksingel 35, 6229 EG, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - P Eline Slagboom
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Beekman
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diana van Heemst
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Postbus 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology and Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karl-Heinz Ladwig
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Kunze
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802 Munich, Germany.,Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Janine F Felix
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Waldenberger
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mohsen Ghanbari
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, PO Box 91735-951, 9133913716 Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Waheed SO, Ramanan R, Chaturvedi SS, Ainsley J, Evison M, Ames JM, Schofield CJ, Christov CZ, Karabencheva-Christova TG. Conformational flexibility influences structure-function relationships in nucleic acid N-methyl demethylases. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:2223-2231. [PMID: 30720838 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob00162j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N-Methylation of DNA/RNA bases can be regulatory or damaging and is linked to diseases including cancer and genetic disorders. Bacterial AlkB and human FTO are DNA/RNA demethylases belonging to the Fe(ii) and 2-oxoglutarate oxygenase superfamily. Modelling studies reveal conformational dynamics influence structure-function relationships of AlkB and FTO, e.g. why 1-methyladenine is a better substrate for AlkB than 6-methyladenine. Simulations show that the flexibility of the double stranded DNA substrate in AlkB influences correlated motions, including between the core jelly-roll fold and an active site loop involved in substrate binding. The FTO N- and C-terminal domains move in respect to one another in a manner likely important for substrate binding. Substitutions, including clinically observed ones, influencing catalysis contribute to the network of correlated motions in AlkB and FTO. Overall, the calculations highlight the importance of the overall protein environment and its flexibility to the geometry of the reactant complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sodiq O Waheed
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
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
|
40
|
Zubakov D, Chamier-Ciemińska J, Kokmeijer I, Maciejewska A, Martínez P, Pawłowski R, Haas C, Kayser M. Introducing novel type of human DNA markers for forensic tissue identification: DNA copy number variation allows the detection of blood and semen. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 36:112-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
41
|
Forensic Epigenetic Age Estimation and Beyond: Ethical and Legal Considerations. Trends Genet 2018; 34:489-491. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
42
|
Dupras C, Song L, Saulnier KM, Joly Y. Epigenetic Discrimination: Emerging Applications of Epigenetics Pointing to the Limitations of Policies Against Genetic Discrimination. Front Genet 2018; 9:202. [PMID: 29937773 PMCID: PMC6002493 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over more than two decades, various policies have been adopted worldwide to restrict the use of individual genetic information for non-medical reasons by third parties and prevent ‘genetic discrimination’. In this paper, we bring attention to the growing interest for individual epigenetic information by insurers and forensic scientists. We question whether such interest could lead to ‘epigenetic discrimination’ – the differential adverse treatment or abusive profiling of individuals or groups based on their actual or presumed epigenetic characteristics – and argue that we might already be facing the limitations of recently adopted normative approaches against genetic discrimination. First, we highlight some similarities and differences between genetic and epigenetic modifications, and stress potential challenges to regulating epigenetic discrimination. Second, we argue that most existing normative approaches against genetic discrimination fall short in providing oversight into the field of epigenetics. We conclude with a call for discussion on the issue, and the development of comprehensive and forward-looking preventive strategies against epigenetic discrimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Dupras
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lingqiao Song
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katie M Saulnier
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yann Joly
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Richards R, Patel J, Stevenson K, Harbison S. Evaluation of massively parallel sequencing for forensic DNA methylation profiling. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:2798-2805. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Richards
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Chemical Sciences; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
- Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd. (ESR); Auckland New Zealand
| | - Jayshree Patel
- Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd. (ESR); Auckland New Zealand
| | - Kate Stevenson
- Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd. (ESR); Auckland New Zealand
| | - SallyAnn Harbison
- Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd. (ESR); Auckland New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|