Short Communication - (2025) Volume 9, Issue 5
Received: 01-Sep-2025, Manuscript No. jgdr-26-179204;
Editor assigned: 03-Sep-2025, Pre QC No. P-179204;
Reviewed: 17-Sep-2025, QC No. Q-179204;
Revised: 22-Sep-2025, Manuscript No. R-179204;
Published:
29-Sep-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2684-6039.2025.09.289
Citation: Rao, Sunita. ”Forensic DNA: Revolutionizing Identification with New Technologies.” J Genet DNA Res 09 (2025):289.
Copyright: © 2025 Rao S. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The field of forensic science has been profoundly transformed by the advent and continuous evolution of molecular marker technologies. These advancements are crucial for accurate identification, reliable kinship testing, and effective criminal investigations, providing the bedrock for establishing biological links in legal proceedings. The application of molecular markers in forensic DNA analysis has seen significant progress, particularly with the refinement of techniques like Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). These methods offer increasingly enhanced discriminatory power, enabling the analysis of even challenging sample types such as degraded or mixed DNA, thereby broadening the scope of forensic investigations. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis represents a key area of development in forensic genetics. SNPs are particularly advantageous when dealing with degraded DNA samples, which are common in forensic casework. Furthermore, their potential extends to inferring biogeographical ancestry and certain phenotypic traits, offering a richer dataset for identification and investigative leads. Traditional Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers have long been a cornerstone of DNA profiling in forensic science. Ongoing improvements in multiplex STR kits allow for the simultaneous amplification of numerous loci, significantly increasing the discriminatory power of these analyses and enabling more robust identification and exclusion results. The integration of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies is ushering in a new era of forensic DNA analysis. NGS enables the simultaneous, high-resolution analysis of a wide array of genetic markers, including STRs and SNPs, leading to more comprehensive profiling and expanded capabilities such as ancestral inference and phenotypic prediction. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing remains a vital tool in forensic investigations, especially when nuclear DNA is degraded or absent. Its high copy number and maternal inheritance pattern make it invaluable for identification in challenging forensic scenarios, though its discriminatory power is generally lower than nuclear DNA markers. Beyond traditional markers, specialized STRs such as Y-chromosome STRs (Y-STRs) and X-chromosome STRs (X-STRs) are gaining prominence. These markers are particularly useful in specific forensic contexts, such as sexual assault cases and for inferring paternal lineage, offering unique advantages in complex investigations. The emerging field of microbiome DNA analysis presents novel opportunities for individual identification. The unique microbial communities associated with an individual could potentially serve as molecular markers, although standardization of collection and analysis protocols remains a significant challenge. Epigenetic markers, specifically DNA methylation patterns, are also being explored for their forensic potential. These markers can provide complementary information to traditional genetic markers, offering insights into tissue source, age, and even lifestyle, which can be invaluable in difficult forensic cases. Finally, the development of rapid DNA analysis technologies is revolutionizing forensic workflows. These technologies, often employing portable devices and streamlined protocols, promise to significantly accelerate identification processes, benefiting both forensic casework and national security applications.
Molecular markers have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of forensic DNA analysis, playing a critical role in identification, kinship testing, and criminal investigations. The continuous evolution of these technologies, particularly in the realm of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), has led to enhanced discriminatory power and expanded utility, especially when dealing with challenging sample types such as degraded or mixed DNA. Standardized protocols and robust database development are imperative for maximizing the effectiveness of these markers in both national and international forensic contexts. The utilization of SNP markers has proven invaluable for forensic identification, offering distinct advantages when analyzing degraded DNA samples. Beyond simple identification, SNPs hold significant potential for inferring biogeographical ancestry and certain phenotypic traits, providing additional layers of investigative information. Research in this area focuses on the design and validation of SNP panels for high-throughput analysis, addressing challenges related to sample inhibition and low DNA quantities, thereby expanding the scope of DNA analysis within the criminal justice system. Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) have long been a foundational element of forensic DNA profiling. Innovations in multiplex STR kits have significantly advanced this technology, enabling the simultaneous amplification of multiple loci. This enhancement drastically increases discriminatory power, which is crucial for reliable identification and exclusion. Furthermore, significant efforts are dedicated to addressing the interpretation of complex STR profiles, including mixtures and low-template DNA samples, underscoring the ongoing refinement of STR analysis in casework. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) represents a paradigm shift in forensic DNA analysis, allowing for the simultaneous and high-resolution examination of STRs, SNPs, and other genetic markers. This comprehensive profiling capability opens doors to advanced applications, including ancestral inference and phenotypic prediction from trace DNA evidence. The integration of NGS technologies presents both considerable challenges and remarkable opportunities for forensic laboratories worldwide. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing continues to be an essential technique in forensic investigations, particularly for achieving identification in cases where nuclear DNA is compromised, degraded, or entirely absent. The high copy number and maternal inheritance of mtDNA make it a robust option for challenging samples. While its lower discriminatory power compared to nuclear DNA is a known limitation, its utility in specific scenarios remains critical. Specialized molecular markers, such as Y-chromosome STRs (Y-STRs) and X-chromosome STRs (X-STRs), offer targeted solutions for specific forensic challenges. These markers are especially valuable in sexual assault cases and for inferring paternal lineage, respectively. The development and validation of these markers, coupled with the establishment of comprehensive population databases, significantly enhance their power of discrimination and utility in casework. The forensic application of the human microbiome is an emerging frontier, exploring its potential as a novel source of individual identification. The unique microbial communities present on an individual's skin or in other biological samples could serve as unique molecular markers. However, the field is actively working to address the substantial challenges associated with standardizing collection and analysis protocols for microbiome profiling in forensic contexts. Epigenetic markers, particularly DNA methylation patterns, are gaining traction as potential molecular markers for forensic identification. These markers can yield valuable complementary information, such as tissue source, age, and potentially even lifestyle indicators, which can be crucial in challenging forensic scenarios, including the identification of individuals from degraded samples. The ethical and legal dimensions surrounding the use of molecular markers in forensic DNA analysis are of paramount importance. Considerations include privacy concerns associated with large DNA databases, the admissibility of DNA evidence in legal proceedings, and the complex interpretation of probabilistic genotyping software. Establishing clear guidelines and fostering public discourse are essential for the responsible deployment of these powerful technologies. Lastly, the rapid advancement of rapid DNA analysis technologies is transforming forensic science and law enforcement by expediting identification processes. The deployment of portable devices and streamlined protocols allows for swift profiling from diverse sample types. Evaluating the accuracy, reliability, and operational challenges associated with implementing these rapid DNA technologies is critical for their effective integration into forensic workflows.
Forensic DNA analysis has been revolutionized by molecular markers, with advancements in STR and SNP technologies enhancing identification and investigative capabilities, especially for degraded DNA. Next-Generation Sequencing offers comprehensive profiling, while mitochondrial DNA remains crucial for challenging samples. Specialized markers like Y-STRs and X-STRs address specific forensic needs. Emerging areas include microbiome DNA and epigenetic markers, offering new identification avenues. Ethical considerations surrounding DNA databases and evidence admissibility are critical. Rapid DNA technologies are streamlining identification processes, improving efficiency in forensic casework and law enforcement.
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Journal of Genetics and DNA Research received 3 citations as per Google Scholar report
