Biomolecules in Forensic Molecular Genetics

Dear Colleagues,

There is continuing effort put to investigate, improve, and innovate in the field of forensic molecular genetics, resulting in significant advances in obtaining probative evidentiary information from crime scene samples. Although forensic DNA analysis is the pre-eminent method employed to retrieve information from the primary structure of genome and mtDNA, the advent of accessible multi-omics technologies to analyze other biomolecules is beginning to yield molecular tools to assist in the criminal investigation process. Using an arsenal of biomolecular markers and techniques, both enhanced and novel genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, microbiomics, and small molecule screening methods are being developed to address the challenges associated with complex, limited, and often environmentally compromised crime scene evidence samples. Such technologies are expected to yield not only more actionable genetic information about the origin of the sample but also, depending on the biomolecules being studied, indications of the non-genetically determined external environmental influences on the individual or the sample itself. 

This Special Issue of Biomolecules on Forensic Genetics will showcase the ongoing efforts to investigate and retrieve potentially probative investigative information from a variety of biomolecule types, whether macromolecules or small molecules. Colleagues are encouraged to submit manuscripts in original research article or review form on forensic molecular genetics topics involving biomolecules, but discussions on limitations, challenges, and future directions within the field are also welcome.

Dr. Erin K. Hanson
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• forensic
• DNA
• RNA
• protein
• mtDNA
• epigenetics
• microbiome