Past, Present And Future Perspectives Of Forensic Genetics

May 2025 in “ Biomolecules ”

Itzae Adonaí Gutiérrez-Hurtado, Mayra Elizabeth García-Acéves, Yolanda Puga-Carrillo, Mariano Guardado-Estrada, Denisse Stephania Becerra‐Loaiza, Víctor Daniel Carrillo-Rodríguez, Reynaldo Plazola-Zamora, Marisol Godínez-Rubí, Héctor Rangel‐Villalobos, José Alonso Aguilar‐Velázquez

Studysummary This review highlights the evolution of forensic genetics from basic DNA analysis to complex genome-wide studies, enabling insights into personal traits, ancestry, and habits, and suggests future advancements through technologies like CRISPR and AI.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Forensic genetics has significantly advanced from basic identification methods to a crucial role in complex investigations, with technologies like massively parallel sequencing (MPS) and genetic markers such as short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) enhancing precision and reliability. The field has evolved from early methods like blood group systems to DNA fingerprinting and STRs, which are now integral to forensic investigations. Emerging tools like forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) and forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) allow for the prediction of phenotypic traits and identification of suspects through genealogical databases. Despite challenges like privacy concerns and methodology standardization, future advancements will involve interdisciplinary approaches, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to refine data analysis and expand applications in human identification. Collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and legal professionals is essential to ensure responsible and ethical application of these advancements.

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