Forensic DNA Phenotyping: A Review in Korean Perspective / 대한법의학회지

Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) using human externally visible characteristics (EVCs) is an emerging new technique that allows for the prediction of phenotypic traits of a person of interest using relevant sets of genetic markers. This technique predicts not only physical appearances, but also the behavioral characteristics as well as biogeographical information, serving as a powerful supplementary tool to narrow down the investigative pool in various forensic cases. Over the past few years, many countries, Europe and America being at the forefront, have conducted significant research to identify related markers for predicting pigmentation traits such as eye, hair, and skin color. Furthermore, some commercial platforms are now available for practical use in forensic cases. Korea and other Asian countries have also dedicated remarkable research to identify relevant markers to utilize FDP in forensic investigations. However, a slightly different approach is needed because Asians have limited phenotypic variations than Western populations. Thus, medically irrelevant and simple propensity traits such as smoking and alcohol consumption could be used to compensate for the limited phenotypic variations. This article is intended to inform readers about the progress and worldwide trends in EVC research, as well as the whereabouts and future prospects of FDP-related research in Korea. Although various legal and ethical disputes must be resolved beforehand, employing an FDP system can certainly be a powerful complementary tool for providing additional clues in forensic investigations.

APLICABILIDADE DO DNA EM ODONTOLOGIA FORENSE / Applicability of DNA in Forensic Dentistry

A utilização de testes de perfil de DNA em Odontologia Legal oferece uma nova perspectivana para a identificação humana, sendo considerada um dos principais progressos da biologia molecular do século XXI. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar a aplicabilidade do DNA no processo de identificação forense na Odontologia Legal visto que a biologia molecular vem desempenhando um papel de grande relevância nos processos de identificação em casos mais complexos onde os vestígios biológicos são praticamente inexistentes. A análise do DNA ostenta algumas vantagens sobre os métodos convencionais de identificação. As amostras biológicas de DNA podem ser encontradas em amostras de sangue, ossos, sêmen, cabelo, dentes, unhas, saliva, urina entre outros fluidos biológicos. Em casos onde os corpos se encontram em avançado estado de decomposição, carbonizados ou putrefatos, ou até mesmo quando a identificação não pode ser realizada por meio de métodos odontológicos tradicionais, os dentes são os únicos elementos passíveis de serem utilizados na identificação, pois resistem melhor do que qualquer tecido humano à degradação post mortem, variações de pressão e temperatura possibilitando a preservação da identidade genética individual. Desse modo os dentes e a saliva são considerados fontes seguras de obtenção do DNA.

The use of DNA profile in forensic dentistry testing offers a new perspective on human identification, is considered one of the major developments in the molecular biology of the XXI century. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of DNA in forensic identification process in forensic dentistry since molecular biology is playing a role of great importance in the identification in more complex cases where biological traces are virtually nonexistent. DNA analysis bear some advantages over the conventional identification methods., The DNA from biological samples can be found in samples of blood, bones, semen , hair, teeth, nails , saliva, urine and other biological fluids. In cases where the bodies are in an advanced state of decomposition, charred or rotting, or even when identification can not be performed by traditional dental methods, teeth are the only elements that can be used to identify, for better resist than any human tissue for post mortem degradation, variations in pressure and temperature enabling the preservation of individual genetic identity. Thus the teeth and saliva are considered safe sources of obtaining DNA.

Korean Guidelines for DNA Typing in Forensic Field / 대한법의학회지

The field of forensic DNA requires not only genetic typing but also social systems. The systems include the establishment of Korean guidelines for DNA typing. There were some publications relating DNA typing guidelines in 2001 and 2002, but the works could not be sustained. Although KOLAS and KIGTE are operating now, we can hardly say that these are optimal for forensic purposes. There also have been foreign publications about the DNA typing guidelines. Considering various differences among nationality, however, we need to establish suitable guidelines for Korean. Therefore, expert members in forensic society should be concern about Korean guidelines for DNA typing and participate in this work.