Cracking the code: Can forensic genetics distinguish identical twins? A technical perspective

DNA fingerprinting has revolutionized the field of forensic investigation in recent times. The utility of DNA fingerprinting technology in differentiating between monozygotic twins has always been an area of academic interest for researchers. While traditional chiral fingerprinting effectively differentiates monozygotic twins, situations may arise where the absence of conventional fingerprints at a crime scene necessitates DNA analysis for conclusive identification. Although Short Tandem Repeats (STR) profiling is of not much help in that case, monozygotic twins can still be differentiated using current advancements in the field of forensic genetics. The methods that can help discriminate between identical twins are mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) analysis, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profiling, Epigenetic profiling (DNA methylation profiling), Copy Number Variants (CNV) profiling, and studying Single Nucleotide Variants (SNV) in the genetic material by traditional sequencing methods like sanger sequencing or advanced methods like Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). In conclusion, these alternative methods may be able to distinguish between monozygotic twins, but they also have drawbacks that must be considered when using them in real-world crime investigations. To establish their accuracy, dependability, and application in forensic situations, more study, validation, and standardization are required. A combination strategy will strengthen the case and lessen the fallacy of individual profiling methods.