Unique molecular identifier-based amplicon sequencing of microhaplotypes for background noise mitigation.

Microhaplotypes (MHs), comprising two or more single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a short fragment, are promising forensic markers owing to their remarkable polymorphic nature. Several studies have demonstrated the utility of MHs through massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Nevertheless, the background noise level associated with MHs in MPS, which imposes a practical detection limit for the system, remains uninvestigated. Currently, unique molecular identifier (UMI) systems are known to effectively mitigate background noise by tracking original DNA molecules and facilitating PCR and MPS error corrections. Hence, this study aimed to design a UMI-based amplicon sequencing system, designated MH-UMIseq, which can amplify 46 MHs simultaneously and generate MPS libraries in four steps: barcoding PCR, nuclease reaction, boosting PCR, and indexing PCR. The performance of the MH-UMIseq system was evaluated using the Illumina NextSeq 550 and MiniSeq systems with 31 sets for 5 ng, 1 ng, and 200 pg of input DNA. The fgbio toolkit was used in conjunction with STRait Razor 3.0 and Visual Microhap to analyze the UMI data on MHs. The corresponding average not suppressed noise proportion of MH-UMIseq were 0.1 %, 0.3 %, and 0.7 % for 5 ng, 1 ng, and 200 pg of DNA, respectively, which substantially suppressed the background noise for more than 1 ng of DNA. Interestingly, the proportion of not suppressed noise in MH-UMIseq notably decreased as the amount of input DNA increased. The number of UMI families was proportional to the copy number of the template DNA and closely correlated with the system resolution. Therefore, the resolution of MH-UMIseq system is expected to be higher than that of conventional MPS for the deconvolution of mixtures containing more than 1 ng of DNA.

Genetic investigation of 124 SNPs in a Myanmar population using the Precision ID Identity Panel and the Illumina MiSeq.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have become popular in forensic genetics as an alternative to short tandem repeats (STRs). The Precision ID Identity Panel (Thermo Fisher Scientific), consisting of 90 autosomal SNPs and 34 Y-chromosomal SNPs, enabled human identification studies on global populations through next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, most previous studies on the panel have used the Ion Torrent platform, and there are few reports on the Southeast Asian population. Here, a total of 96 unrelated males from Myanmar (Yangon) were analyzed with the Precision ID Identity Panel on a MiSeq (Illumina) using an in-house TruSeq compatible universal adapter and a custom variant caller, Visual SNP. The sequencing performance evaluated by locus balance and heterozygote balance was comparable to that of the Ion Torrent platform. For 90 autosomal SNPs, the combined match probability (CMP) was 6.994 × 10-34, lower than that of 22 PowerPlex Fusion autosomal STRs (3.130 × 10-26). For 34 Y-SNPs, 14 Y-haplogroups (mostly O2 and O1b) were observed. We found 51 cryptic variations (42 haplotypes) around target SNPs, of which haplotypes corresponding to 33 autosomal SNPs decreased CMP. Interpopulation analysis revealed that the Myanmar population is genetically closer to the East and Southeast Asian populations. In conclusion, the Precision ID Identity Panel can be successfully analyzed on the Illumina MiSeq and provides high discrimination power for human identification in the Myanmar population. This study broadened the accessibility of the NGS-based SNP panel by expanding the available NGS platforms and adopting a robust NGS data analysis tool.

Can we integrate method-specific age-predictive models?: Analysis method-induced differences in detected DNA methylation status.

Forensic research surrounding the use of DNA methylation (DNAm) markers to predict age suggests that accurate prediction of chronological age can be achieved with just several DNAm markers. Several age-prediction models are based on DNAm levels that are detectable by a diverse range of DNAm analysis methods. Among the many DNAm analysis methods, targeted amplicon-based massively parallel sequencing (MPS) and single-base extension (SBE) methods have been widely studied owing to their practicality, including their multiplex capabilities. Since these two DNAm analysis methods share an identical amplification step during their experimental processes, several studies have compared the differences between the methods to construct integrated age-prediction models based on both MPS and SBE data. In this study, we compared the specific differences in DNAm levels between these two commonly exploited analysis methods by analyzing the identical PCR amplicons from the same samples and quantifying the actual bisulfite-converted DNA amount involved in the PCR step. The DNAm levels of five well-studied age-associated markers-CpGs on the ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, MIR29B2CHG, and TRIM59 genes-were obtained from blood samples of 250 Koreans using both DNAm analysis methods. The results showed that only ELOVL2 is interchangeable between the MPS and SBE methods, while the rest of the markers showed significant differences in DNAm values. These differences may result in high errors and consequential lowered accuracy in age estimates. Therefore, a DNAm analysis method-specific approach that considers method-induced DNAm differences is recommended to improve the overall accuracy and reliability of age-prediction methods.

Application of a custom haplotype caller to analyze sequence-based data of 56 microhaplotypes.

Microhaplotypes (microhaps) are recently introduced markers that aim to complement the limitations of conventional forensic markers such as short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). With the potential of microhaps in forensics becoming clearer through massively parallel sequencing (MPS), MPS-based studies on microhaps are being actively reported. However, simpler workflow schemes for the generation and analysis of MPS data are still required to facilitate the practical application of MPS in forensics. In this study, we developed an in-house MPS panel that simultaneously amplifies 56 microhaps and a custom haplotype caller, Visual Microhap. The developed tool works on a web browser and provides four analysis options to extract SNP-based haplotypes from sequence-based data obtained by STRait Razor 3.0. To demonstrate the utility of the MPS panel and data analysis workflow scheme, we also analyzed 56 microhaps of 286 samples from four populations (African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, and Korean). The average effective number of alleles (Ae) for the four groups was 3.45, ranging from 1.74 to 6.98. Forensic statistical parameters showed that this microhap panel is more powerful than conventional autosomal STRs for human identification. Meanwhile, the 56-plex panel mostly comprised microhaps with high Ae; however, the four populations were grossly distinguishable from each other by cluster analysis. Consequently, the developed in-house MPS panel for 56 microhaps and the adopted workflow using open-source tools can increase the utility of microhap MPS in forensic research and practice.

De Novo L509P Mutation of the TGFBI Gene Associated with Slit-Lamp Findings of Lattice Corneal Dystrophy Type IIIA.

Background: Mutations of the transforming growth factor-ß-induced (TGFBI) gene produce various types of corneal dystrophy. Here, we report a novel de novo L509P mutation not located in a known hot spot of the transforming growth factor-ß-induced (TGFBI) gene and its clinical phenotype, which resembles that of lattice corneal dystrophy type IIIA (LCD IIIA). Case presentation: A 36-year-old man (proband) visited our clinic due to decreased visual acuity with intermittent ocular irritation in conjunction with painful recurrent erosions in both eyes for 10 years. Molecular genetic analyses revealed a TGFBI L509P mutation (c.1526T>C) in the proband and one of his sons. Interestingly, neither TGFBI mutations nor corneal abnormalities were detected in either of the proband's biological parents, indicating the occurrence of a de novo L509P mutation. Clinical examinations, including slit-lamp retro-illumination and Fourier-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT), revealed gray deposits in the anterior stroma and deeper refractile lines extending from limbus to limbus in both corneas of the proband, consistent with a diagnosis of LCD IIIA. Superficial diffuse haze and surface irregularity were observed in conjunction with corneal erosions and visual impairment, necessitating phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). A 60 µm PTK of the Bowman layer and anterior stroma of the proband's left eye was performed following the removal of the epithelium in order to remove superficial corneal opacities. His BCVA improved from 20/400 to 20/50 at postoperative week 8 and was maintained for 45 months. Pinhole-corrected VA was 20/20 at the last visit, and corneal opacities had not recurred. Conclusions: An inheritable de novo mutation of L509P in the TGFBI gene can produce severe LCD IIIA, which can be successfully treated with OCT-guided PRK.

Sequence Variations of 31 Υ-Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeats Analyzed by Massively Parallel Sequencing in Three U.S. Population Groups and Korean Population.

BACKGROUND: Rapidly mutating (RM) Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) have been demonstrated to increase the possibility of distinguishing between male relatives due to a higher mutation rate than conventional Y-STRs. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) can be useful for forensic DNA typing as it allows the detection of sequence variants of many forensic markers. Here, we present sequence variations of 31 Y-STRs including nine RM Y-STRs (DYF387S1, DYF399S1, DYF404S1, DYS449, DYS518, DYS570, DYS576, DYS612, and DYS627), their frequencies, distribution, and the gain in the number of alleles using MPS. METHODS: We constructed a multiplex MPS assay capable of simultaneously amplifying 32 Y-chromosomal markers, producing amplicons ranging from 85-274 bp. Barcoded libraries from 220 unrelated males from four populations-African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, and Koreans-were generated via two-step polymerase chain reaction and sequenced on a MiSeq system. Genotype concordance between the capillary electrophoresis (CE) and MPS method and sequence variation of Y-STRs were investigated. RESULTS: In total, 195 alleles were increased by MPS compared to CE-based alleles (261 to 456). The DYS518 marker showed the largest increase due to repeat region variation (a 3.69-fold increase). The highest increase in the number of alleles due to single nucleotide polymorphisms in the flanking region was found in DYF399S1. RM Y-STRs had more diverse sequences than conventional Y-STRs. Furthermore, null alleles were observed in DYS576 due to primer-binding site mutation, and allele drop-outs in DYS449 resulted from low marker coverage of less than the threshold. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the expanded and discriminative MPS assay could provide more genetic information for Y-STRs, especially for RM Y-STRs, and could advance male individualization. Compiling sequence-based Y-STR data for worldwide populations would facilitate the application of MPS in the field of forensic genetics and could be applicable in solving male-related forensic cases.

Bisulfite-Converted DNA Quantity Evaluation: A Multiplex Quantitative Real-Time PCR System for Evaluation of Bisulfite Conversion.

Bisulfite (BS) conversion, which includes a series of chemical reactions using bisulfite, is a prerequisite to most DNA methylation analysis methods, and thus is an essential step in the associated research process. Unfortunately, BS conversion leads to the degradation or loss of DNA, which can hinder further downstream analysis. In addition, it is well known that incomplete BS conversion is crucial, as it causes an exaggeration of the DNA methylation level, which can adversely affect the results. Therefore, there have been many attempts to measure three key features of BS conversion: BS conversion efficiency, recovery, and degradation level. In this study, a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR system named BisQuE was suggested to simultaneously analyze three important aspects of the conversion step. By adopting cytosine-free PCR primers for two differently sized multicopy regions, the short amplicon and long amplicon were obtained from both the genomic and BS-converted DNA, thus enabling the obtaining of reliable and sensitive results and the calculation of the degradation level of the conversion step. Also, probes for detecting converted/unconverted templates and C-T indicators for inducing the formula were included in this assay to quantify BS-converted DNA in order to compute the conversion efficiency and recovery. Six BS conversion kits (EZ DNA Methylation-Lightning Kit, Premium Bisulfite kit, MethylEdge® Bisulfite Conversion System, EpiJET Bisulfite Conversion Kit, EpiTect Fast DNA Bisulfite Kit, and NEBNext® Enzymatic Methyl-seq Conversion Module) were tested in 20 samples using 50 ng of genomic DNA as an input with the BisQuE. The conversion efficiency, degradation levels, as well as recovery rates of the kits were investigated. A total of 99.61-99.90% conversion efficiency was perceived for five of the kits, while the NEBNext kit showed about 94%. The lowest degradation level was shown by the NEBNext kit, whereas the other kits were quite similar. The recovery rates of the kits were found to be within the range of 18-50%. A Qubit assay was also used to compare the recovery rate of BisQuE.

Massively parallel sequencing of 25 autosomal STRs including SE33 in four population groups for forensic applications.

The introduction of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) in forensic investigation enables sequence-based large-scale multiplexing beyond size-based analysis using capillary electrophoresis (CE). For the practical application of MPS to forensic casework, many population studies have provided sequence data for autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). However, SE33, a highly polymorphic STR marker, has little sequence-based data because of difficulties in analysis. In this study, 25 autosomal STRs were analyzed, including SE33, using an in-house MPS panel for 350 samples from four populations (African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, and Korean). The barcoded MPS library was generated using a two-step PCR method and sequenced using a MiSeq System. As a result, 99.88% genotype concordance was obtained between length- and sequence-based analyses. In SE33, the most discordances (eight samples, 0.08%) were observed because of the 4 bp deletion between the CE and MPS primer binding sites. Compared with the length-based CE method, the number of alleles increased from 332 to 725 (2.18-fold) for 25 autosomal STRs in the sequence-based MPS method. Notably, additional 129 unique alleles, a 4.15-fold increase, were detected in SE33 by identifying sequence variations. This population data set provides sequence variations and sequence-based allele frequencies for 25 autosomal STRs.

An investigation of thalamic nuclei volumes and the intrinsic thalamic structural network based on motor subtype in drug naïve patients with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the alterations in thalamic nuclei volumes and the intrinsic thalamic structural network in patients with de novo Parkinson's disease (PD) based on their predominant symptoms. METHODS: We enrolled 65 patients with de novo PD (44 patients with tremor-dominant [TD] subtype and 21 patients with postural instability and gait disturbance [PIGD] subtype) and 20 healthy controls. All subjects underwent three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The thalamic nuclei were segmented using the FreeSurfer program. RESULTS: We obtained volumetric differences in the thalamic nuclei of each subtype of PD in comparison of healthy control. Volumes of the right and left suprageniculate nuclei were significantly increased, whereas that of the left parafascicular nucleus was decreased in patients with the TD subtype. Volumes of the right and left suprageniculate nuclei and right ventromedial nucleus were significantly increased, whereas those of the right and left parafascicular nuclei volumes were decreased in patients with the PIGD subtype. The measures of the intrinsic thalamic global network were not different between patients with TD PD and healthy controls. However, in patients with the PIGD subtype, the global and local efficiencies were significantly increased compared to healthy controls. Moreover, although there were no differences in thalamic volume and intrinsic thalamic global network between patients with the TD and PIGD variants, we identified significant differences in the intrinsic thalamic local network between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in thalamic nuclei volumes and the intrinsic thalamic network in patients with PD differed based on their predominant symptoms. These findings might be related to the underlying pathogenesis and suggest that PD is a heterogeneous syndrome.

Improved STR analysis of degraded DNA from human skeletal remains through in-house MPS-STR panel.

DNA analysis of degraded samples and low-copy number DNA derived from skeletal remains, one of the most challenging forensic tasks, is common in disaster victim identification and genetic analysis of historical materials. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is a useful technique for STR analysis that enables the sequencing of smaller amplicons compared with conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE), which is valuable for the analysis of degraded DNA. In this study, 92 samples of human skeletal remains (70+ years postmortem) were tested using an in-house MPS-STR system designed for the analysis of degraded DNA. Multiple intrinsic factors of DNA from skeletal remains that affect STR typing were assessed. The recovery of STR alleles was influenced more by DNA input amount for amplification rather than DNA degradation, which may be attributed from the high quantity and quality of libraries prepared for MPS run. In addition, the higher success rate of STR typing was achieved using the MPS-STR system compared with a commercial CE-STR system by providing smaller sized fragments for amplification. The results can provide constructive information for the analysis of degraded sample, and this MPS-STR system will contribute in forensic application with regard to skeletal remain sample investigation.

Comparison of whole mitochondrial genome variants between hair shafts and reference samples using massively parallel sequencing.

Hair shafts are one of the most common types of evidence at crime scenes, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been analyzed as a valuable genetic marker for hair shafts in forensic casework. However, the mtDNA analysis strategy may vary according to the quantity and quality of DNA extracted from a forensic sample and the available massively parallel sequencing (MPS) platform in laboratories. Forensic practitioners often have to interpret mtDNA sequences exhibiting point heteroplasmy (PHP) that are analyzed using different analytical methods. In the present study, the whole mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) variants of hair shaft samples obtained from 20 donors, which were sampled in duplicate and stored at room temperature for > 1 year, were analyzed using the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel and Ion S5 system. The whole mtGenome variants of 20 blood and 20 buccal swab samples (reference samples) from the hair shaft donors were analyzed using the Nextera XT DNA Library Prep Kit and MiSeq System. A total of 20 unique mtGenome haplotypes were observed, and 56 PHP variants were identified across the 4 sets of tissue. When the major nucleotide of PHP was considered, 16 of 20 haplotypes of the hair shaft samples matched those of the corresponding blood and buccal swab samples. In four donors, the major nucleotide of PHP was inverted at one nucleotide position between the hair shaft and reference samples. However, the data obtained on MPS, showing high PHP resolution, provided substantial information to avoid false exclusion when comparing two haplotypes containing PHP with inverted major nucleotides. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the utility of MPS in forensic casework in the comparative analysis of mtGenome variants containing PHP.

The Correlation between Cognition Screening Scores and Gait Status from Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gait impairment in patients with cognitive decline has received considerable attention over the past several decades. However, gait disturbance in dementia is often underdiagnosed. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most widely used screening test for dementia, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been developed for more accurate assessments of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between gait status and the scores on these screening tests for dementia. METHODS: We recruited 18 patients with MCI and 19 patients with early-stage dementia. All of the participants were examined using the Korean versions of the MMSE and MoCA developed for screening dementia (MMSE-DS and MoCA-K, respectively) and a neuropsychological test to determine cognitive function. A three-dimensional motion-capture system was used to perform objective measurements of gait in all participants. We evaluated the correlation between the screening scores and gait parameters. RESULTS: The MoCA-K score was significantly correlated with the walking speed (r=0.408, p<0.05) and stride length (r=0.334, p<0.05). After adjusting for age, the MoCA-K score remained correlated with the walking speed (r=0.331, p<0.05), whereas the MMSE-DS score (r=0.264, p=0.11) and stride length (r=0.206, p=0.22) were not. The neuropsychological test revealed that walking speed and stride length were significantly correlated with memory and frontal lobe function. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the MoCA-K reflects the gait status in patients with cognitive decline more accurately than does the MMSE-DS. Our results suggest that the MoCA-K has more advantages than the MMSE-DS as a screening tool for dementia.

DNA methylation of the ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, C1orf132/MIR29B2C, and TRIM59 genes for age prediction from blood, saliva, and buccal swab samples.

Many studies have reported age-associated DNA methylation changes and age-predictive models in various tissues and body fluids. Although age-associated DNA methylation changes can be tissue-specific, a multi-tissue age predictor that is applicable to various tissues and body fluids with considerable prediction accuracy might be valuable. In this study, DNA methylation at 5 CpG sites from the ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, C1orf132/MIR29B2C, and TRIM59 genes were investigated in 448 samples from blood, saliva, and buccal swabs. A multiplex methylation SNaPshot assay was developed to measure DNA methylation simultaneously at the 5 CpG sites. Among the 5 CpG sites, 3 CpG sites in the ELOVL2, KLF14 and TRIM59 genes demonstrated strong correlation between DNA methylation and age in all 3 sample types. Age prediction models built separately for each sample type using the DNA methylation values at the 5 CpG sites showed high prediction accuracy with a Mean Absolute Deviation from the chronological age (MAD) of 3.478 years in blood, 3.552 years in saliva and 4.293 years in buccal swab samples. A tissue-combined model constructed with 300 training samples including 100 samples from each blood, saliva and buccal swab samples demonstrated a very strong correlation between predicted and chronological ages (r = 0.937) and a high prediction accuracy with a MAD of 3.844 years in the 148 independent test set samples of 50 blood, 50 saliva and 48 buccal swab samples. Although more validation might be needed, the tissue-combined model's prediction accuracies in each sample type were very much similar to those obtained from each tissue-specific model. The multiplex methylation SNaPshot assay and the age prediction models in our study would be useful in forensic analysis, which frequently involves DNA from blood, saliva, and buccal swab samples.

Platform-independent models for age prediction using DNA methylation data.

Age prediction has been in the spotlight recently because it can provide an important information about the contributors of biological evidence left at crime scenes. Specifically, many researchers have actively suggested age-prediction models using DNA methylation at several CpG sites and tested the candidates using platforms such as the HumanMethylation 450 array and pyrosequencing. With DNA methylation data obtained from each platform, age prediction models were constructed using diverse statistical methods typically with multivariate linear regression. However, because each developed model is based on single-platform data, the prediction accuracy is reduced when applying DNA methylation data obtained from other platforms. In this study, bisulfite sequencing data for 95 saliva samples were generated using massively parallel sequencing (MPS) and compared with methylation SNaPshot data from the same 95 individuals. The predicted age obtained by applying MPS data to an age-prediction model built for methylation SNaPshot data differed greatly from the chronological age due to platform differences. Therefore, novel variables were introduced to indicate the platform type, and construct platform-independent age predictive models using a neural network and multivariate linear regression. The final neural network model had a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 3.19 years between the predicted and chronological age, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 8.89% in the test set. Similarly, the linear regression model showed 3.69 years of MAD and 10.44% of MAPE in the same test set. The platform-independent age-prediction model was made extensible to an increasing number of platforms by introducing platform variables, and the idea of platform variables can be applied to age prediction models for other body fluids.

Association of Asian mitochondrial DNA haplogroup B with new development of knee osteoarthritis in Koreans.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine which mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup is associated with new development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Epidemiologic data and knee radiographs with the Kellgren-Lawrence (K/L) score of the Ansung cohort study were prospectively obtained from the 2nd (2005-2006) and 6th follow-up periods (2013-2014). The mtDNA was analyzed by multiplex mutagenetically separated polymerase chain reaction to determine Asian mtDNA haplogroups (M, G, D, D4, D5, M7, M8, M9, M10, N, A, N9, R, F and B). The frequency of the mtDNA haplogroup was compared between participants with knee OA (K/L score ≥2 or total knee replacement arthroplasty [OA group]) and those without knee OA (K/L < 2 [control group]) at the 6th follow-up. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relative risk (RR) of mtDNA haplogroups for OA by adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, smoking and metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: There were 1115 participants with epidemiological data, knee radiographs and DNA samples. Of these, 572 participants had a K/L score of 0 at the 2nd follow up, and 438 underwent knee radiography at the 6th follow up. Among the 438 participants, 160 were classified as having knee OA, and 278 were classified as the control group. The haplogroup B showed a significantly higher frequency in the OA group than in the control group (unadjusted RR = 1.794, P = 0.030; adjusted RR = 2.389, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that mtDNA haplogroup B contributed to the new development of knee OA in Koreans.

Discriminating power of rapidly mutating Y-STRs in deep rooted endogamous pedigrees from Sindhi population of Pakistan.

Rapidly mutating Y-STRs (RM Y-STRs) have been paid much attention in recent years. The 13 RM Y-STRs (DYF387S1, DYF399S1, DYF403S1a/b, DYF404S1, DYS449, DYS518, DYS526I/II, DYS547, DYS570, DYS576, DYS612, DYS626, and DYS627) have been proved to have substantially higher haplotype diversity and discrimination capacity than conventionally used Y-STRs indicating the considerable power in paternal lineage differentiation in endogamous populations, separation of which is usually impossible with standard Y-STRs. In current study, we analyzed the RM Y-STRs and PowerPlex® Y23 System in 216 male relatives from 18 deep rooted endogamous Sindhi families from Pakistan. Mutations were frequently observed at DYF399S1, DYS449, DYS518DYS547 and DYF403S1b2 loci, which are known to mutate more rapidly than other RM Y-STRs. Overall differentiation rate with RM Y-STRs was as high as 32.88%, while those with PowerPlex® Y23 System and AmpFℓSTR® Yfiler™ kit were 6.85% and 3.65% respectively. The differentiation rate of RM Y-STRs was 29.22% and 26.03% higher than those of AmpFlSTR® Yfiler™ kit and PowerPlex® Y23 System, respectively.

Forensic SNP Genotyping with SNaPshot: Development of a Novel In-house SBE Multiplex SNP Assay.

This study introduces a newly developed in-house SNaPshot single-base extension (SBE) multiplex assay for forensic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of fresh and degraded samples. The assay was validated with fresh blood samples from four different populations. In addition, altogether 24 samples from skeletal remains were analyzed with the multiplex. Full SNP profiles could be obtained from 14 specimens, while ten remains showed partial SNP profiles. Minor allele frequencies (MAF) of bone samples and different populations were compared and used for association of skeletal remains with a certain population. The results reveal that the SNPs of the bone samples are genetically close to the Pathan population. The findings show that the new multiplex system can be utilized for SNP genotyping of degraded and forensic relevant skeletal material, enabling to provide additional investigative leads in criminal cases.

DNA methylation-based age prediction from various tissues and body fluids.

Aging is a natural and gradual process in human life. It is influenced by heredity, environment, lifestyle, and disease. DNA methylation varies with age, and the ability to predict the age of donor using DNA from evidence materials at a crime scene is of considerable value in forensic investigations. Recently, many studies have reported age prediction models based on DNA methylation from various tissues and body fluids. Those models seem to be very promising because of their high prediction accuracies. In this review, the changes of age-associated DNA methylation and the age prediction models for various tissues and body fluids were examined, and then the applicability of the DNA methylation-based age prediction method to the forensic investigations was discussed. This will improve the understandings about DNA methylation markers and their potential to be used as biomarkers in the forensic field, as well as the clinical field. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(11): 546-553].

Sequence-based diversity of 23 autosomal STR loci in Koreans investigated using an in-house massively parallel sequencing panel.

As DNA databases continue to grow and international cooperation increases, forensic STR loci have expanded to increase the discriminatory power and inter-database compatibility. Current capillary electrophoresis (CE) and/or massively parallel sequencing (MPS)-based commercial STR analysis systems reflect such changing trends of expanding STR loci. Due to the general gains of larger multiplexing and the detection of sequence variation, the application of MPS technology to STR analysis has further improved discrimination and is expected to aid in mixture interpretation by increasing the effective number of alleles. However, high-throughput analysis has rarely been reported for forensic DNA databasing. In this study, we present the sequencing results from 250 Korean samples at 23 commonly used STR loci (D1S1656, TPOX, D2S441, D2S1338, D3S1358, FGA, CSF1PO, D5S818, D6S1043, D7S820, D8S1179, D10S1248, TH01, vWA, D12S391, D13S317, Penta E, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11, Penta D, and D22S1045) using an in-house assay designed for MPS. All amplicons in the multiplex exhibited a size range of 77 to 217 base pairs, and the barcoded library for the MPS run was easily prepared using a PCR-based library preparation method followed by sequencing on a MiSeq System (Illumina). We compared the STR genotyping results with those obtained using CE and scrutinized the sequence variations in both the targeted STR and flanking regions. MPS results of 23 autosomal STRs were 99.97% concordant with those of CE results. D12S391 and D21S11 exhibited, respectively, the highest number of alleles and genotypes by the MPS analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion and deletions (Indels) were observed in the flanking regions of D1S1656, D2S441, D5S818, D7S820, D13S317, D16S539, D21S11, and Penta D. Consequently, an MPS analysis of an expanded set of STRs, as demonstrated in the population statistics of a Korean population, will be of great practical use in forensic genetics.

Y chromosomal deletion pattern in Koreans inhabiting Jeju Island.

ABSTRACT: Mutations occur in Y chromosome genes similar to autosomal genes. However, unlike autosomal genes, Y chromosome genes do not undergo recombination, which produce distinctive characteristics and distribution patterns in different geographic regions. Therefore, detailed analysis of mutations of Y chromosome genes might provide information for personal identification or analysis of phylogenetic history. In Y-STR (short tandem repeat) analysis tests on 668 habitants of Jeju Island, the largest island in the Korean peninsula located apart from the mainland, a deletion at DYS448 was found in 10 samples. The length of deletion was estimated by confirming specific Sequence Tagged Site (STS) markers ranging from G66018 to sY1201. Patterns found were similar to those of the Kalmyks, a tribe that has had strong social and genetic influences in Jeju Island in the past. Historically from 1273 on, Jeju Island was governed by Mongolian for about one hundred years. The results of this study suggest such historical aspects affected the genetic composition of people living in Jeju Island. Furthermore, previous reports showed that Y chromosomal deletions and region specific Y chromosomal mutations depended on regional differences. This study may be useful for a better understanding of the genetic structure of Jeju habitants as well as Korean population for the purpose of forensic practice and population genetics.