Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in the determination of craniofacial morphology

Abstract

Current methods of forensic DNA analysis are mainly used for identification purposes and require a reference sample for comparison to an evidence DNA profile. The short tandem repeats (STR) is presently the major highly discriminating method for forensic DNA analysis; however, it does not provide useful investigative information, with an exception of sex. The ability to provide information on visual appearance of a person has great investigative potential in various types of criminal and mass disaster investigations. This project aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing craniofacial morphology and subsequently incorporate a set of significantly associated markers in forensic molecular Identikit for prediction of facial appearance. The association results provided strong evidence that novel polymorphisms are involved in the normal variation of craniofacial morphology. Subsequently, these results enabled creation of statistical models for potential prediction of craniofacial traits along with pigmentation and ancestry.

Date of Award	11 Oct 2014
Original language	English
Supervisor	Angela Van Daal (Supervisor) & Lotti Tajouri (Supervisor)