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Forensic identification of an individual in complex DNA mixtures (Yissum)

Summary

New method to establish the presence or absence of an individual’s DNA in a mixture of DNA (such as found at the scene of a crime) comprising up to ten individuals
There is no current efficient method for identifying individuals in DNA mixtures containing more than two contributors.
The new method is highly accurate under a wide range of actual forensic conditions, meeting court admissible standards.Efficiently allows the exclusion of relatives, preventing from the defence to claim that the suspect’s relative is represented in the mixture.
Does not requires accurate allele frequency data for an appropriate reference population, which might not be available.
Does not require accurate estimates of allele frequencies in the DNA mixture, only a robust estimation about the presence or absence of each allele.Genotyping a specially designed panel of 1,000-10,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), each with a relatively low (<0.1) minor allele frequency (MAF). Any individual will carry a specific set of dozens of rare alleles and the DNA mixture will carry this particular set only if the one individual is represented in the DNA mixture – the individual signature in the DNA mixture.Robust (the technology tests for presence or absence of alleles, it does not estimate allele frequencies), cost-effective method
Specifically designed for forensic work, which requires the highest statistical standards
Can accurately identify the number of individuals in the mixture – not possible with any current method

Technology Benefits

May be used in forensic laboratories to identify suspects at the scene of a crime
May be used in identification of individuals in mass disasters

ID No.

6-2010-2361

Country/Region

Israel