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The Applied Biosystems Precision ID NGS System for human identification can help you solve tough cases by getting more information from your challenging samples. Now you have help moving those unknown samples from storage to investigative leads. Adopting next-generation sequencing (NGS) for forensic DNA analysis in your laboratory is simpler than ever when you combine the Ion Chef System and Ion GeneStudio S5 Systems with optimized Precision ID library preparation, template preparation and sequencing kits, and forensically relevant panels. The Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, using the control region data for analysis, is approved for inclusion in the US National DNA Index System (NDIS) CODIS database.
Let the evidence speak for itself. You can choose from a suite of targeted Precision ID panels for the NGS solution for your cases. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from samples recovered at mass disasters and from other unidentified remains can be routinely analyzed to assist in human identification, and help establish links to related family members. Short tandem repeat (STR) panels provide high-resolution genotyping of STRs for analysis of complex mixtures. Ancestry-informative or phenotypic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis may help generate investigative leads when suspects are unknown. Identity-testing SNPs can associate a degraded crime scene sample to a known reference when partial results are obtained with autosomal STR analysis. In addition, selected community panels are available for DNA Phenotyping and expanded Y haplogrouping.
With as little as 125 pg of DNA input, you can process unsolved and missing persons cases with NGS in your lab today, with as few as 5 pipetting steps and 45 minutes of hands-on time.
Applied Biosystems Precision ID panels enable analysis of up to hundreds of forensically targeted markers such as the mtDNA genome, STRs, or SNPs.
The Ion Chef System simplifies the workflow for targeted sequencing, providing a walk-away solution for automated library preparation, template preparation, and chip loading.
The Ion GeneStudio S5 Systems provide the simplest DNA-to-data workflow for targeted sequencing—so you can spend less time doing repetitive lab work.
Construct library | Prepare template | Run sequence | Analyze data |
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Precision ID panels | Ion Chef System
| Ion GeneStudio S5 System
| Converge Software |
Category | Panel | Ion S5 chipsNumber of samples per run | ||
Ion 510 Chip | Ion 520 Chip | Ion 530 Chip | ||
mtDNA | Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel | | 25 | 32 |
Precision ID mtDNA Control Region Panel | 37 | 56 | | |
STR | Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panels | | 16 | 32 |
SNP | Precision ID Ancestry Panel | 48 | 72 | 362 |
Precision ID Identity Panel | 54 | 81 | 384 |
Note: Recommendations are based on in-house determination of the number of samples that can be multiplexed while still achieving a minimum coverage of 100x for 97% of SNP amplicons for SNP panels and all mtDNA amplicons. Individual lab results may vary depending on workflow used and customer requirements.
In forensic casework, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is useful in the context of challenging samples that fail to produce an autosomal STR profile due to their high copy number per cell. When samples such as teeth, bones, and hairs without a follicle (root) are collected from crime scenes, missing-person remains, or disaster areas, even amplicon coverage and minimal strand bias are key factors that contribute to high-quality genetic results for successful identification of human remains.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel is an innovative approach to mitochondrial DNA sequencing specifically developed for forensic applications. This mtDNA tiling approach, using amplicons that are only 163 bp average length, assists with obtaining optimal mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) coverage from highly compromised, degraded samples such as hair shafts, teeth, and bones. Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, using the control region data for analysis, is approved for inclusion in the US National DNA Index System (NDIS) CODIS database.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID mtDNA Control Region Panel is based on the same tiling approach used in the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel. This targeted control region panel spans the entire 1.2-kb control region, which encompasses HV-I, HV-II, and HV-III, with the same optimal small amplicon design ideal for performance with degraded forensic samples. In addition, the panel design leverages primer degeneracy in known variable regions to help ensure robust performance across diverse population samples.
Analysis of the mtGenome can be challenging due to complex alignments, the presence mtDNA heteroplasmy, and insertions and deletions present throughout the genome that may impact the accuracy of variant calling. The Applied Biosystems Converge Software NGS Data Analysis module automates mitochondrial DNA analysis leveraging optimized base calling, alignment and quality filtering algorithms specific for the Precision ID mt DNA panels. These solutions gives forensic DNA laboratories the flexibility to detect variation within noncoding control region sequences or take full advantage of the genetic diversity with analysis of full mtGenome sequence data using either the Precision ID mtDNA Control Region Panel or Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel using as little as 2 pg of DNA.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel v2 includes 36 markers, including the same 21 autosomal STRs along with Y markers and amelogenin sex markers found in the GlobalFiler PCR Amplification Kit, as well as 14 additional informative markers for forensic analysis. When analyzed with NGS, these markers reveal more alleles (74%) than identified with traditional CE analysis due to sequence diversity within CE alleles of the same size. These isometric alleles can be used to help resolve complex profiles and mixtures.
With as little as 125 pg of DNA input, you can quickly and easily analyze these commonly used forensic markers in less than 2 days.
The Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel provides both allele number and base sequence for each repeat structure, offering enhanced mixture resolution and increased Probability of Identity (PI) estimates.
Precision ID Ancestry Panel
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID Ancestry Panel can provide you with biogeographic ancestry information and guide your investigation process. Utilizing Ion AmpliSeq technology, the Precision ID Ancestry Panel helps to enable simple and fast target selection of hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using multiplex PCR. This ready-to-use panel consists of 165 autosomal markers. A total of 55 of these markers were selected based on a poster presented by Dr. Kenneth Kidd, and 123 markers were selected based on a publication by Dr. Michael Seldin. This sensitive panel, with average amplicon sizes of <130 bases, is optimized for degraded DNA samples and uses as little as 125 pg of input DNA.
The Converge Software NGS Data Analysis module contains parameters for analyzing the Precision ID Ancestry Panel, generating admixture predictions as well as the population likelihood from 151 ancestry-informative markers that cover seven continental populations.
Precision ID Identity Panel
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) provide a variety of new, important information for human identification purposes, in addition to short tandem repeats (STRs). Due to the shorter amplicons required for sequencing, SNPs enable high recovery of information from degraded samples—such as from mass disaster victims.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID Identity Panel includes 124 autosomal markers, and provides discrimination of individuals similar to STR genotype match probabilities used by forensic analysts (between 1 x 10-31 and 6 x 10-35). The high discrimination power is achieved by using 34 upper Y-clade SNPs and 90 autosomal SNPs that have high heterozygosity and low Fixation Index (Fst), described in publications by Kenneth Kidd of Yale University and the SNP for ID Consortium.
The Converge Software NGS Data Analysis module contains parameters for analyzing the Precision ID Identity Panel, generating random match probabilities (RMPs) from either the 1000 Genomes Project dataset using 85 unlinked identity SNPs, as well as Y haplogroup determination from the 34 upper Y-clade SNPs or customer supplied population frequency data.
Ion AmpliSeq community panels are designed with input from leading scientists and verified for performance, providing expanded applications in targeted sequencing for forensics. These panels can be ordered through ampliseq.com and are compatible with the Applied Bioystems Precision ID sequencing workflow. In addition, the Converge NGS SNP module software can support custom panel analysis through the inclusion of user-defined markers and population frequencies.
Current HID community panels include the Ion AmpliSeq DNA Phenotype Panel (Walsh et al., Forensic Science International: Genetics 2013) and Ion AmpliSeq HID Y-SNP Research Panel V1 (Ralf et al., Forensic Science International: Genetics 2019).
In addition, custom Ion AmpliSeq panels can be designed with your specific content using the Ion AmpliSeq Designer at ampliseq.com.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID Library Kits are specifically designed for rapid generation of targeted sequencing libraries from Precision ID panels. The kits are built on Ion AmpliSeq chemistry, which enables scalable multiplex PCR reactions from tens to thousands of amplicons in a single well using as little as 125 pg of starting DNA. These kits also enable the preparation of barcoded libraries using Ion Xpress Barcode Adapters 1-96 Kits or the IonCode Barcode Adapters 1-384 Kit. The barcoded libraries can be combined and loaded onto a single Ion chip to minimize the sequencing run time and costs, and allow for accurate sample-to-sample comparison. Precision ID Library Kits are for use with manual procedures or with high-throughput robotics platforms.
The Precision ID DL8 Kit is designed for use with the Ion Chef System for automation of Ion AmpliSeq library construction. Leveraging the automation capabilities of the Ion Chef System, this kit enables the reproducible preparation of Precision ID amplicon libraries, with less than 15 minutes of hands-on time and only 3 liquid transfer steps. Compatible with 1- and 2-pool panel designs, the kit automates the preparation of libraries from 8 samples in a single run, delivering a single tube of pooled libraries ready for downstream templating and sequencing.
The Ion S5 Precision ID Chef & Sequencing Kit is fully optimized for templating and sequencing of all available HID NGS panels (STR, SNPs, and mitchondrial DNA) on the Ion GeneStudio S5 Systems. The kit is available in two formats: two runs per initialization for higher-throughput labs and one run per initialization for less frequent analyses.
Save time at the bench, help improve your laboratory’s productivity, and standardize your results. The Ion Chef System for human identification performs the repetitive lab work without the need for complex robotics and confusing scripts. Paired with Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing platforms, the Ion Chef System automates Precision ID library preparation, template generation, and chip loading with push-button simplicity—enabling DNA to data in as little as 45 minutes of hands-on time.
Run sequence on:
Suitable for scientists and researchers in forensic human identification, the Ion Chef System offers automated workflows that help enable gains in laboratory efficiency. Unleash the power of the Precision ID NGS System with Ion Chef System automation, paired with Ion AmpliSeq technology which is used in the Precision ID Panels for human identification.
Comparison of reproducibility across several next-generation sequencing metrics (number of reads, base coverage and loading efficiency) for Ion libraries processed (templating and chip loading) using the Ion Chef and Ion OneTouch 2 Systems. While both systems exhibit excellent reproducibility, the Ion Chef System demonstrates lower coefficient of variation (CV) % values across all metrics.
Want to sequence SNP panels on Monday, mtDNA panels on Wednesday, and STR panels on Thursday? The Ion GeneStudio S5 Systems, an integral part of the Precision ID NGS System, let you leverage a single benchtop instrument that scales to your application and throughput needs. The Ion GeneStudio S5 Systems provide the simplest DNA-to-data workflow for targeted sequencing with industry-leading speed and affordability, and the flexibility to multiplex and optimize the number of samples and panels on a single chip.
Ion GeneStudio S5 System | Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus System | Ion GeneStudio S5 Prime System | ||||||||
Ion 510 Chip | Ion 520 Chip | Ion 530 Chip | Ion 510 Chip | Ion 520 Chip | Ion 530 Chip | Ion 510 Chip | Ion 520 Chip | Ion 530 Chip | ||
Reads | 2-3 million | 4-6 million | 15-20 million | 2-3 million | 4-6 million | 15-20 million | 2-3 million | 4-6 million | 15-20 million | |
Turnaround time (sequencing + analysis) | mtDNA whole genome panel | - | 7.5 hr | 10.5 hr | - | 3.5 hr | 5 hr | - | 3 hr | 4 hr |
mtDNA control regions panel | 4.5 hr | 7.5 hr | - | 3 hr | 3.5 hr | - | 3 hr | 3 hr | - | |
Ancestry panel | 4.5 hr | 7.5 hr | 10.5 hr | 3 hr | 3.5 hr | 5 hr | 3 hr | 3 hr | 4 hr | |
Identity panel | 4.5 hr | 7.5 hr | 10.5 hr | 3 hr | 3.5 hr | 5 hr | 3 hr | 3 hr | 4 hr | |
STR panel | - | 12.5 hr | 22.5 hr | - | 4.5 hr | 5.5 hr | - | 4 hr | 5 hr |
New to next-generation sequencing? Watch the demos for each step of the Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing workflow.
Converge Software is an all-in-one modular enterprise platform from Thermo Fisher Scientific that integrates forensic DNA data management and analysis into a single software package designed to increase the efficiency of forensic DNA laboratories. With the Converge NGS analysis module, laboratories are now able to examine the mitochondrial genome to identify remains when there is poor quality or no autosomal DNA available for analysis, STR markers to help determine the number of contributors in a mixture analysis, and targeted and forensically relevant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to help generate investigative leads. Additionally, full auditing functionality is included for chain-of-custody requirements.
Analysis of the mtGenome can be challenging due to complex alignments, the presence mtDNA heteroplasmy, and insertions and deletions present throughout the genome that may impact the accuracy of variant calling. NGS reads from the BAM files are first mapped to nodes in PhyloTree and then realigned using a custom Smith–Waterman alignment algorithm that integrates PhyloTree and EMPOP information into the scoring function. Variants are called with reference to the rCRS. Additionally, the closest haplogroup is calculated, and variants are evaluated based on their occurrence in the haplogroup as well as other general metrics including frequency, strand bias, and coverage. Variants can be viewed in a variety of formats, including a circular plot, linear view, grid, or IGV format. In addition, profiles can be compared as well as downloaded in CODIS format.
With an interface similar to that of Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID-X Software, you will be able to quickly evaluate sequencing data using familiar process quality values (PQV) and flags such as allele number (AN), off-ladder allele (OL), peak height ratio (PHR), below stochastic threshold (BST), and control concordance (CC) (use figure). Preconfigured analysis settings are provided within the NGS module and may be modified by the laboratory as needed.
Converge Software SNP analysis provides a variety of metrics to monitor sequencing quality, including coverage of aligned reads to a hotspot, strand bias, number of reads containing each base at the hotspot, genotype call and quality, and major allele frequency. Tertiary ancestry analysis consists of generating an estimation of admixture prediction and population likelihoods with variability estimates based on bootstrapping analysis (Alexander et al., Genome Research, 2009). Identity analysis calculating random match probability (RMP) can be based on genotype frequencies generated from 1000 Genomes data or from user-supplied population frequency data as well as a Y haplogroup prediction.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID Ancestry Panel includes 165 autosomal markers (SNPs) that can provide you with biogeographic ancestry information and guide your investigation process.
The Applied Biosystems Precision ID Identity Panel, comprising 124 markers, provides discrimination of individuals similar to STR genotype match probabilities used by forensic analysts.
Adapting next-generation sequencing (NGS) for forensics is not a paradigm shift —Dr. Bruce Budowle, University of North Texas Health Science Center
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Introducing mitochondrial DNA sequencing by NGS technology —Dr. Walther Parson, Institute of Legal Medicine at Innsbruck Medical University
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Accelerate your forensic DNA analyses with Ion Torrent NGS automation —Joseph Chang, Thermo Fisher Scientific
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Mitochondrial DNA analysis
STR analysis
Ancestry SNP analysis
Identity SNP analysis
Dr. Marta Diepenbroek, Institute of Legal Medicine, Munich, describes her validation of the custom Molecular identi-kit, which combines ancestry-informative autosomal and Y-chromosomal SNPs with phenotype prediction.
Walther Parson, PhD, from the Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, discusses a number of cases his lab has worked on using mtDNA analysis to make critical identifications.
For Research Forensic or Paternity Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. For licensing and limited use restrictions visit HIDlicensing.