Assessing the potential of next generation sequencing technologies for missing persons identification efforts

To assess the utility of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for missing persons applications, we have recently initiated a study of various platforms and target enrichment strategies for sample types regularly encountered in our large-scale identification efforts. Specific laboratory workflows based on target marker enrichment and NGS platform are being considered for different sample types, and the overall effort is being undertaken with a strong emphasis on both raw data and final consensus sequence quality. The current study is first and foremost a general evaluation of these data and technologies from the standpoint of forensic application, yet the strategy we are pursuing is ultimately intended to facilitate NGS integration into standard casework laboratories. We are, therefore, evaluating NGS workflows and data for the typical nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers used in forensics, while still allowing for future work that may take greater advantage of the strengths of these technologies. Here, we present an overview of our NGS strategy. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.