Forensic Epigenetic Analysis: The Path Ahead

Abstract

Unlike DNA fingerprinting, which scores for differences in the genome that are phenotype neutral, epigenetic variations are gaining importance in forensic investigations. Methylation of DNA has a broad range of effects on the lifestyle, health status, and physical appearance of individuals. DNA methylation profiling of forensic samples is useful in determination of the cell or tissue type of the DNA source and also for estimation of age. The quality and quantity of the biosample available from the crime scene limits the possible number of DNA methylation tests and the selection of the technology that can be used. Several techniques have been used for DNA methylation analysis for epigenetic investigations of forensic biological samples. However, novel techniques are needed for multiplex analysis of epigenetic markers as the techniques that are currently available require a large amount of high-quality DNA and are also limited in their multiplexing capacities that are often insufficient to fully resolve a forensic query of interest.

Postmortem age estimation via DNA methylation analysis in buccal swabs from corpses in different stages of decomposition—a “proof of principle” study

“…Several models for epigenetic age estimation have been described, which differ regarding number and combination of CpG sites (for review, see [ 5 ]). This new approach for age estimation can be used especially in the context of the analysis of crime scene samples [ 6 ] as well as for low- or non-invasive age estimation of living individuals based on easily accessible test material such as blood, saliva, or buccal swab samples (e.g., [ 7 – 11 ]).…”

The development of forensic DNA analysis: New debates on the issue of fundamental human rights

“…Technological advances include massively parallel sequencing (MPS), using both STRs and SNPs [32], and epigenetic modifications of the genome creating alterations in DNA methylation patterns [41]. They make it possible to extract more accurate and comprehensive information from the DNA sample including ancestry informative markers and external physical traits of an individual [42].…”

Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity: Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones

“…In forensic medicine, DNA methylation is typically chosen over other epigenetic alterations because of its in vitro stability and great sensitivity in terms of the amount of DNA required [ 205 ]. Based on the notion that environmental stimuli can cause individual epigenomic variations [ 205 , 206 ], forensic investigations apply DNA methylation to the identification of tissues and cells [ 207 ], to the determination of both sex and age of individuals [ 208 , 209 ], and to the differentiation between monozygotic twins [ 210 ]. Furthermore, DNA methylation can disclose information about a person’s socioeconomic status, diet, physical activity, alcohol use [ 211 ], smoking status and drug use [ 212 ], and thus may aid in the discovery of specific markers that can provide more detailed information about the characteristics and effects of NPSs.…”