New Insights into Forensic Molecular Genetics

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 1064

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
National Center for Forensic Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
Interests: forensic molecular genetics; body fluid identification by RNA expression profiling; improved recovery of male DNA in late reported and challenging sexual assault evidence; rapid DNA analysis; characterization and analysis of trace biological evidence (“touch DNA”); single cell analysis; forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG)
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A great deal of effort is continuously put into investigating, improving, and innovating 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

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 3976 KiB  
Article
Assessing Adventitious Matches of Non-Donors Related to True Contributors
by Kaitlin Huffman and Lilliana Moreno
Biomolecules 2025, 15(3), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15030398 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Relatives share more DNA with one another than unrelated individuals. Therefore, there is an increased risk of close relatives (e.g., siblings or parents and children of true donors) adventitiously ‘matching’ DNA mixtures to which they are not a true contributor. One such method [...] Read more.
Relatives share more DNA with one another than unrelated individuals. Therefore, there is an increased risk of close relatives (e.g., siblings or parents and children of true donors) adventitiously ‘matching’ DNA mixtures to which they are not a true contributor. One such method of addressing relatives is to utilize alternative propositions within probabilistic genotyping software (e.g., STRmixTM). As the number of related individuals within a mixture increases, so does the potential for adventitious matches of related non-donors to the mixture due to increased allele sharing. The extent to which siblings and parents/children of true donors result in adventitious matches to mixtures in which they are non-donors is presented as well as the impact of overestimating the number of contributors (NOC) when related donors are in question. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Forensic Molecular Genetics)
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Review

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19 pages, 709 KiB  
Review
Prediction of Skin Color Using Forensic DNA Phenotyping in Asian Populations: A Focus on Thailand
by Gabriel Perez Palomeque, Supakit Khacha-ananda, Tawachai Monum and Klintean Wunnapuk
Biomolecules 2025, 15(4), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15040548 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) has emerged as an essential tool in criminal investigations, enabling the prediction of physical traits based on genetic information. This review explores the genetic factors influencing skin pigmentation, particularly within Asian populations, with a focus on Thailand. Key genes [...] Read more.
Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) has emerged as an essential tool in criminal investigations, enabling the prediction of physical traits based on genetic information. This review explores the genetic factors influencing skin pigmentation, particularly within Asian populations, with a focus on Thailand. Key genes such as Oculocutaneous Albinism II (OCA2), Dopachrome Tautomerase (DCT), KIT Ligand (KITLG), and Solute Carrier Family 24 Member 2 (SLC24A2) are examined for their roles in melanin production and variations that lead to different skin tones. The OCA2 gene is highlighted for its role in transporting ions that help stabilize melanosomes, while specific variants in the DCT gene, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2031526 and rs3782974, are discussed for their potential effects on pigmentation in Asian groups. The KITLG gene, crucial for developing melanocytes, includes the SNP rs642742, which is linked to lighter skin in East Asians. Additionally, recent findings on the SLC24A2 gene are presented, emphasizing its connection to pigmentation through calcium regulation in melanin production. Finally, the review addresses the ethical considerations of using FDP in Thailand, where advances in genetic profiling raise concerns about privacy, consent, and discrimination. Establishing clear guidelines is vital to balancing the benefits of forensic DNA applications with the protection of individual rights. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Forensic Molecular Genetics)
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