Next-generation kinship deduction for forensic and genealogical analysis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Health Sciences
Abstract
The use of DNA analysis to determine familial relationships is well established. In the paternity test, a small number of polymorphic markers (usually short-tandem repeats [STRs]) is analysed, and probabilities of true paternity can be established with near certainty. However, in some applications more distant relationships are of interest: in forensic casework 'familial searching' exploits the fact that a perpetrator and their relatives are expected to share 'similar' DNA profiles; in immigration cases a claim of relationship may need to be validated; in genealogical research participants may have hypotheses about their relationships which they wish to support. The kinship estimation problem is more difficult here because with each additional generation separating two individuals, the expected proportion of genome sharing halves. Additional power can be gained by adding more markers, e.g. by using genome-wide SNP chips.
The project will explore the potential of next-generation sequencing forensic multiplexes and genome-wide SNP/sequence data in relationship estimation. Forensically relevant data will be generated by typing multiplexes on existing pedigree DNA resources. Anonymised genome-wide SNP data will be obtained from collaborators and industrial partner DNA WorldWide. All these data will include uniparentally-inherited markers (Y chromosome, mitochondrial DNA) as well as biparentally-inherited (autosomal) markers, and markers on the X chromosome.
The project will explore the potential of next-generation sequencing forensic multiplexes and genome-wide SNP/sequence data in relationship estimation. Forensically relevant data will be generated by typing multiplexes on existing pedigree DNA resources. Anonymised genome-wide SNP data will be obtained from collaborators and industrial partner DNA WorldWide. All these data will include uniparentally-inherited markers (Y chromosome, mitochondrial DNA) as well as biparentally-inherited (autosomal) markers, and markers on the X chromosome.
People |
ORCID iD |
Nuala Sheehan (Primary Supervisor) | |
Margherita Colucci (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M01116X/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1940004 | Studentship | BB/M01116X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 29/09/2021 | Margherita Colucci |
Description | Short-Term ISFG fellowship |
Amount | € 1,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | International Society for Forensic Genetics |
Sector | Learned Society |
Country | Germany |
Start | 02/2020 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | Training Grant |
Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Genetics Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2018 |
End | 07/2018 |
Description | Project collaboration - Prof. Thore Egeland' s research group (NMBU) |
Organisation | Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Experience in the use of genotyping techniques, exploring applications in relationship estimation in forensic settings. |
Collaborator Contribution | Statistical knowledge in relationship inference, extensive experience in software and tools coding, and in the use of simulations. |
Impact | -evaluation of new techniques -proposing publication |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | iCASE partnership with DNA Worldwide/ Living DNA |
Organisation | Living DNA Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Information gathering, supporting and trouble-shooting analysis process, understanding clients' support. |
Collaborator Contribution | Training in the bioinformatic methods. Experience in business-related applications and consumers support. |
Impact | - understanding which aspects of genetic relatedness inference are poorly communicated to the general public and the precise sources of confusion - personal skills development: essential business skills involving public presentation, listening and communication, organisation, understanding of project management, marketing and finances - kinship estimation (bioinformatic) workflow |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | College Poster Fair |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This Poster competition was open to the general public in order strengthen the link between university and community and open dialogue to various research topics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |