Investigative genetic genealogy - new approach to detect relatedness of individuals.

Abstract

The development of molecular genetic techniques, coupled with the development of bioinformatic approaches and the expansion of genealogy as a hobby, also brings new possibilities for forensic genetics. The review article compares todays classical methods of genotyping and determination of kinship based on the analysis of polymorphisms such as short tandem repeats, with the possibilities of investigative genetic genealogy, which uses genotyping based on analysis of hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, bioinformatics and sharing individual profiles within public databases. We describe the principles of these laboratory techniques and the interpretation of their results. We compare these new approaches with the current practice in forensic laboratories. We stress the importance of the introduction of whole genome sequencing into forensic genetics. Whole genome sequencing allows due its ability to work with degraded DNA samples the preparation of proper material for investigative genetic genealogy which has already proven its usefulness in successfully solving serial murder cases as well as in identifying unknown victims of violent crimes. In addition to methodological approaches and achievements, the limits and ethical aspects of this new field of forensic genetics are also mentioned.