Massive Parallel Sequencing in Forensic Genetics

The introduction of Massive Parallel Sequencing technology (MPS) in the forensic genetics field has opened new possibilities in forensic DNA genotyping. The advantage of MPS is multifold, including: high throughput sequencing; production of millions of DNA molecules in parallel; simultaneous analysis of large number of markers; as well as different type of markers; and a high number of sample in a single experimental run. Beside genotyping traditional forensic markers for identification, i.e., Short Tandem Repeat (STR), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), MPS offers the potential to genotype a new type of genetic marker, known as microhaplotypes. Moreover, MPS makes it possible to explore the potential of forensic DNA phenotyping and of the forensic transcriptomic. This article discusses different MPS approaches used in forensic, the applications in forensic field, and benefits and drawbacks are discussed.