Optimal Processing for Proteomic Genotyping of Single Human Hairs

May 2020 in “ Forensic Science International Genetics ”

Zachary C. Goecker, Michelle Salemi, Noreen Karim, Brett S. Phinney, Robert H. Rice, Glendon J. Parker

proteomic genotyping genetically variant peptides scalp hairs reduction alkylation protein digestion peptide analysis forensic identification biogeographic backgrounds

Studysummary This study found that optimizing proteomic genotyping conditions from single human hair samples significantly improves the detection of genetically variant peptides, enhancing human identification with high precision across different biogeographic backgrounds.

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

The study developed an optimized proteomic processing method to improve the yield of genetically variant peptides from single human scalp hairs, enhancing forensic identification. By refining reduction, alkylation, and protein digestion conditions, the method increased the average number of detectable peptides from 20 to 73, significantly improving random match probabilities to as high as 1 in 620 million. This approach provided consistent results across various biogeographic backgrounds and introduced algorithms to aid peptide analysis, aiming to standardize forensic protocols and improve the accuracy of human identification using hair evidence.

View this study on escholarship.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Assessing Protein Sequencing in Human Single Hair Shafts of Decreasing Lengths

14 citations , September 2019 in “Forensic Science International Genetics”

This study found that hair shaft keratin proteins can be reliably identified from samples as small as 0.12 cm, suggesting their potential forensic utility with typical casework sample sizes.

research Variation in Human Hair Ultrastructure Among Three Biogeographic Populations

28 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of structural biology”

This study found statistically significant patterns in hair morphology and ultrastructure linked to biogeographic ancestry among European, African, and East Asian populations.

research Protein Extraction from Human Anagen Head Hairs 1 Millimeter or Less in Total Length

18 citations , April 2018 in “Biotechniques/BioTechniques”

This study developed a method for extracting proteins from micro-sized human head hairs, facilitating proteomic analysis even with limited hair sample availability.

research Human Hair Shaft Proteomic Profiling: Individual Differences, Site Specificity, And Cuticle Analysis

68 citations , August 2014 in “PeerJ”

This study found that proteomic analysis can distinguish hair samples across different ethnicities and body regions based on keratin protein levels, which may aid forensic hair identification.

research Structure and Mechanical Properties of Human Trichocyte Keratin Intermediate Filament Protein

51 citations , September 2012 in “Biomacromolecules”

This study found that disulfide bonds in keratin increase its strength and toughness, with some loss of α-helical structure under load, highlighting their role in trichocyte α-keratin's mechanical properties.

Proteomic Tools for the Investigation of Human Hair Structural Proteins and Evidence of Weakness Sites on Hair Keratin Coil Segments

research Proteomic Tools for the Investigation of Human Hair Structural Proteins and Evidence of Weakness Sites on Hair Keratin Coil Segments

38 citations , October 2011 in “Analytical biochemistry”

This study used proteomic techniques to analyze human hair proteins, revealing keratin heterogeneity and identifying posttranslational modifications, such as cysteine trioxidation and methylation.

research Proteomic Analysis of Hair Shaft and Nail Plate

29 citations , August 2011 in “PubMed”

This study describes how shotgun proteomics can identify over 300 proteins in hair shafts, potentially allowing for the diagnosis of diseases through noninvasive human proteome sampling.

research Characterization of Low Abundance Wool Proteins Through Novel Differential Extraction Techniques

26 citations , June 2010 in “Electrophoresis”

This study reported advances in identifying low-abundance proteins in wool by using fractionation techniques to reduce the dominance of intermediate filament proteins, improving the understanding of the wool proteome.

research Hair Cuticle Differences Between Asian And Caucasian Females

21 citations , October 2006 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Asian hair is stronger and more damage-resistant than Caucasian hair due to a thicker cuticle layer.

research Proteome Analysis of Human Hair Shaft

122 citations , January 2006 in “Molecular & Cellular Proteomics”

This study found that keratin and other hair proteins in humans are extensively modified posttranslationally, which helps explain the structural characteristics of mature hair.

research Human Hair Keratin-Associated Proteins

226 citations , January 2006 in “International review of cytology”

Keratin-associated proteins are crucial for hair strength and structure.

research A Rapid Extraction Procedure of Human Hair Proteins and Identification of Phosphorylated Species

226 citations , January 2002 in “Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

This study developed a rapid method to extract proteins from human hair, revealing phosphorylation on serine and threonine residues in alpha-keratins and matrix proteins.

research Pathologic Dynamics of Human Hair Loss

33 citations , September 1961 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This letter clarifies that colchicine induces anagen hair loss, as shown in animal studies, and corrects a misquotation by Kligman, who suggested it caused telogen effluvium.