Continuous modelに基づくDNA混合試料の解析

抄録

 In forensic science, the interpretation of DNA mixture profiles and small amounts or degraded DNA profiles is challenging due to difficulties in evaluating the contribution of the person of interest (e.g., victim and suspect). In recent years, some probabilistic genotyping software programs based on a continuous model were developed to promote the interpretation of complex DNA profiles. The model uses quantitative information of peak heights in the DNA profile and considers the effect of stutters and allelic drop-out. Therefore, the model is effective for interpreting complex DNA profiles, and some software based on the model that has been applied to actual caseworks.

 This review provides the concept of probabilistic genotyping based on a continuous model. We explain calculation principles of likelihood ratios, weight values, and expected peak heights in the continuous model. We also discuss the current issues of software validation, management of artifact peaks, and the estimation of the number of contributors.