Forensic DNA Phenotyping: A Review on SNP Panels, Genotyping Techniques, and Prediction Models

March 2024 in “ Forensic Sciences Research ”

Nuria Terrado-Ortuño, Patrick May

This review examines forensic DNA phenotyping, focusing on SNP panels, genotyping techniques, and prediction models. It identifies 48 panels for biogeographical ancestry, 43 for externally visible characteristics, and 15 for both traits. The review highlights challenges such as inconsistent terminology, insufficient genetic knowledge, environmental influences, and debates over genotyping technologies and prediction models. It aims to provide an updated guide and overview of current literature in the field.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Evaluation of Loci to Predict Ear Morphology Using Two SNaPshot Assays

6 citations , November 2022 in “Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology”

research Testing the impact of trait prevalence priors in Bayesian-based genetic prediction modeling of human appearance traits

5 citations , November 2020 in “Forensic Science International Genetics”

Using trait prevalence priors in genetic prediction models for appearance traits is currently impractical due to limited knowledge and potential accuracy issues.

research Exploring the possibility of predicting human head hair greying from DNA using whole-exome and targeted NGS data

37 citations , August 2020 in “BMC Genomics”

Hair greying is mainly influenced by age, with genetics playing a smaller role.

research Uncharted Waters: The Impact of NGS and Machine Learning on Forensic Science

4 citations , February 2018 in “EMBO reports”

New DNA analysis and machine learning are advancing forensic science, improving accuracy and expanding into non-human applications.

research A Genome-Wide Association Scan in Admixed Latin Americans Identifies Loci Influencing Facial and Scalp Hair Features

196 citations , March 2016 in “Nature Communications”

Genetic factors influence hair traits like shape, color, and greying in Latin Americans.

research Prediction of Male-Pattern Baldness from Genotypes

37 citations , October 2015 in “European Journal of Human Genetics”

Genetic data can predict male-pattern baldness with moderate accuracy, especially for early-onset cases in some European men.

research Evaluation of the Predictive Capacity of DNA Variants Associated with Straight Hair in Europeans

36 citations , September 2015 in “Forensic Science International: Genetics”

Certain DNA variants can predict straight hair in Europeans but are not highly specific.

research CSI on Steroids: Forensic DNA Phenotyping by Columbia Police Department

7 citations , June 2015 in “EMBO Reports”

Forensic DNA phenotyping can help generate new leads in cold cases but faces accuracy, legal, and acceptance challenges.

research Evaluation of DNA Variants Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia and Their Potential to Predict Male Pattern Baldness

48 citations , May 2015 in “PLOS ONE”

DNA variants can predict male pattern baldness, with higher risk scores increasing baldness likelihood.

research Improving Human Forensics Through Advances in Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology

383 citations , February 2011 in “Nature Reviews Genetics”

DNA profiling in forensics has improved, but predicting physical traits and ancestry from DNA has limitations and requires ethical consideration.