The analysis of biological evidence, i.e., forensic DNA testing, has become an indispensable tool to solve and fight crime over the last several decades. Millions of DNA profiles are currently curated in national and international DNA databases, frequently assisting law enforcement agencies in identifying perpetrators, linking multiple crime scenes, and resolving missing persons cases.
Until recently, however, all forensic DNA testing has used a technology that is over 20 years old—capillary electrophoresis (CE). Though innovative for the time in which it was developed, CE has data recovery limitations, especially for poor quality samples or complex mixtures.1 This can lead to inconclusive results, unnecessary re-testing, and cases that go unresolved for months or even years.
A Better Way to Test DNA
Fortunately, now there is a better way. A more advanced technology called next generation sequencing, (NGS)—which has already made an enormous impact in other scientific fields—has started to transform forensic science as well.
A true pioneer in the field of forensic genomics, Peter de Knijff was one of the first to see the potential of next generation sequencing (NGS) for forensic applications. They recently used NGS to decipher highly discriminating data from a challenging mixed sample in a sexual assault case, which ultimately led to the first criminal conviction based on NGS data reported globally to date.
In this interview, Dr. de Knijff provides details on the interesting case and its potential ramifications for NGS utilization moving forward.
NGS allows greater insight to be obtained from biological evidence. Challenges such as heavily degraded or low quantity DNA and complex mixtures can be overcome to increase recovery of informative profiles.1 Additional traits such as physical characteristics and biogeographical ancestry can be estimated, and genealogy databases can be searched to generate investigative leads.
A training video recently created by the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) briefly explains how NGS can help law enforcement solve more cases, including
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- How to use NGS for active and cold case investigations
- How NGS differs from traditional forensic DNA methods
- The utility of NGS for challenging biological evidence, e.g., trace evidence; complex mixtures,; and degraded DNA samples, such as samples from fired ammunition casings
- Investigative intelligence capabilities, including ancestry and visible trait estimation, as well as genetic genealogy
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The video also includes information on how this powerful technology was recently used to resolve a complex sexual assault case in the Netherlands, resulting in a landmark court conviction (see sidebar).
How Can You Start Using This?
At least 175 forensic laboratories have implemented NGS or are in the process of implementing it, with more expected to do so in the coming months. As more crime labs bring NGS online, law enforcement agencies might be able to obtain expanded services locally. But even if your local jurisdiction doesn’t have NGS capabilities yet, there are several leading forensic institutions and qualified fee-for-service laboratories available for outsourcing, so you don’t have to wait to start solving more cases.
About Verogen, Inc.Verogen serves those who pursue the truth using genetic tools. Powered by gold standard Illumina sequencing technology and working in partnership with forensic laboratories, Verogen is advancing science to unlock the true potential of forensic genomics. For more information, visit www.verogen.com. About the Verogen MiSeq FGx® Forensic Genomics SystemThe MiSeq FGx® System is the first fully validated, FBI NDIS-approved next generation sequencing (NGS) system for genomic DNA analysis of forensic samples. It uses the same gold standard technology that has generated over 90% of the world’s DNA sequencing data, and can recover up to 10 times more data than older CE methods in a single test. It has been designed to dramatically reduce inconclusive results and enable more cases to be solved. Learn more. |
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1 Anne C. Jäger et al., “Developmental Validation of the MiSeq FGx Forensic Genomics System for Targeted Next Generation Sequencing in Forensic DNA Casework and Database Laboratories,” Forensic Science International: Genetics 28 (January 2017): 52–70.
