In contrast to genetic diagnostic disciplines such as Oncogenetics and Cinical Genetics, where worldwide, since 2010, tens of thousands of DNA samples are routinely screened annually using either... Show moreIn contrast to genetic diagnostic disciplines such as Oncogenetics and Cinical Genetics, where worldwide, since 2010, tens of thousands of DNA samples are routinely screened annually using either targeted genome sequencing or whole genome sequencing using massively parallel sequencing (MPS), the forensic use of MPS is still far from being a routine diagnostic tool. This perspectives focusses on issues that are essential in order to fully understand (i) why MPS of short tandem repeats (STRs) is very different from the capillary electrophoresis (CE) based genotyping of STRs, (ii) what we, DNA experts, should know before explaining MPS-based evidence in court, and (iii) what information should be present in a forensic investigation report that is MPS-based. Here one has to keep in mind that the forensic use of CE was first introduced in 1992-1993 and that it took some time to fully appreciate all intricacies. Obviously, I might be biased in my opinion, having worked on this topic since 2008, but I sincerely hope that MPS will soon be widely accepted and used because, especially in case of mixed-source DNA samples, MPS is much better in the deconvolution of the individual contributors and invariably reveals genetic information that cannot be inferred otherwise. Show less
Gaag, K.J. van der; Leeuw, R.H. de; Hoogenboom, J.; Patel, J.; Storts, D.R.; Laros, J.F.J.; Knijff, P. de 2016
DNA-based human identification is employed in varying situations, such as disaster victim identification, relationship testing and forensic analyses. When DNA is of low quality and/or quantity,... Show moreDNA-based human identification is employed in varying situations, such as disaster victim identification, relationship testing and forensic analyses. When DNA is of low quality and/or quantity, standard methods for DNA profiling may not suffice. The research described in this thesis is aimed at the development of additional or alternative methods to extract information from a person__s DNA. The explored methods include: optimised sampling, the use of smaller and/or other types of DNA markers, increased analysis sensitivity, DNA repair, and combining marker sets. These studies have been performed to get closer to the answer regarding the question: __To whom belongs this body?__ Show less
Westen, A.A.; Grol, L.J.W.; Harteveld, J.; Matai, A.S.; Knijff, P. de; Sijen, T. 2012