Short tandem repeat markers applied to the identification of human remains

Abstract

Widens traditional concepts of forensic science to include humanitarian, social, and cultural aspects Using the preservation of the dignity of the deceased as its foundation, Forensic Science and Humanitarian Action: Interacting with the Dead and the Living is a unique examination of the applications of humanitarian forensic science. Spanning two comprehensive volumes, the text is sufficiently detailed for forensic practitioners, yet accessible enough for non-specialists, and discusses both the latest technologies and real-world interactions. Arranged into five sections, this book addresses the 'management of the dead' across five major areas in humanitarian forensic science.

The professional practice of forensic anthropology: Contemporary developments and cross‐disciplinary applications

“…There are two main sources of the former: (i) biological samples from the unidentified/missing person(s), such as blood (including neonatal screening cards), skin or hair follicles; and (ii) biological samples, such as blood or buccal swabs, from biological relatives (Blau, 2020;Blau et al, 2021). DNA can be acquired from soft tissue if decomposition is not advanced, or from skeletal tissues (bone and/or dental) and not compromised peri-or postmortem (Goodwin et al, 2020;Higgins & Austin, 2013;Owen et al, 2013;Turingan et al, 2020). Portions of the nuclear genome are most often utilized because extreme interindividual variation increases the probability that the acquired profile is unique and thus individualizing (Latham & Miller, 2019).…”

“…Portions of the nuclear genome are most often utilized because extreme interindividual variation increases the probability that the acquired profile is unique and thus individualizing (Latham & Miller, 2019). Identifications are typically made based on kinship testing (determining biological relationships between individuals) of autosomal short tandem repeat DNA (STR) markers using commercial kits or combinations thereof; for example, Promega PowerPlex ® 16 and Applied Biosystems™ GlobalFiler™-see Goodwin et al (2020) and Latham and Miller (2019) for further discussion.…”

Applications of X-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats for Human Identification: A Review

“…Unfortunately, the interpretation of DNA profiles derived from autosomal STRs requires the existence of suitable comparison samples, which may not always be available in every case. In the absence of comparison samples, the generated DNA profiles may not provide meaningful identification of individuals [11,12]. In particular, forensic scientists have to face difficulties in complex kinship investigations cases (a) where the relatedness among individuals are in-questioned and (b) the parents are missing as well as (c) involving complex pedigree [13,14].…”

“…Being the most important information in any forensic investigation, individual identification has been routinely performed by comparing the profiles of autosomal STRs [11]. Recently, the use of X-STRs analysis as a form of complementary tool to the routine autosomal STRs has been suggested [14].…”