An evaluation of the PowerSeq™ Auto System: A multiplex short tandem repeat marker kit compatible with massively parallel sequencing. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeng, Xiangpei; King, Jonathan; Hermanson, Spencer; Patel, Jaynish; Storts, Douglas R.; Budowle, Bruce
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 19(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Short tandem repeat (STR) -- Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) -- PowerSeq Auto System -- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -- Mixture -- MiSeq; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Génétique légale -- Périodiques; Forensic genetics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.07.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1872-4973

Abstract

Highlights: PowerSeq Auto System and MiSeq can generate concordant result with CE-based methods. Single source full profiles could be obtained using as little as 62 pg of input DNA. Partial STR profiles of the minor contributor could be detected up to 19:1 mixture. MPS can improve mixture analysis with the detection of SNPs within STR alleles. Abstract: Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and multiplex amplification with fluorescent tagging have been routinely used for STR typing in forensic genetics. However, CE-based methods restrict the number of markers that can be multiplexed simultaneously and cannot detect any intra-repeat variations within STRs. Several studies already have indicated that massively parallel sequencing (MPS) may be another potential technology for STR typing. In this study, the prototype PowerSeq™ Auto System (Promega) containing the 23 STR loci and amelogenin was evaluated using Illumina MiSeq. Results showed that single source complete profiles could be obtained using as little as 62 pg of input DNA. The reproducibility study showed that the profiles generated were consistent among multiple typing experiments for a given individual. The mixture study indicated that partial STR profiles of the minor contributor could be detected up to 19:1 mixture. The mock forensic casework study showed that full or partial profiles could be obtained from different types of single source and mixture samples. These studies indicate that the PowerSeq Auto System and the Illumina MiSeq can generate concordant results with current CE-based methods. In addition, MPS-based systems can facilitate mixture deconvolution with the detection of intra-repeat variations within length-based STR alleles.