Developmental validation of NeoTyper autosomal STR kit

Background

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are pivotal to efficient human DNA profiling. Including mini-STRs can further improve the assay's efficiency. The FBI's (Federal Bureau of Investigation) expanded Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) list contains twenty STRs for human identification. The NeoTyper Autosomal kit developed by Neom Scientific Solutions Pvt. Ltd. enables the amplification of 28 loci, which include markers from the expanded CODIS list, are National DNA Index System (NDIS) recommended markers, and comply with the NDIS recommended allelic range. In addition, the kit also includes 8 more markers including Penta D and Penta E. The NeoTyper Autosomal kit STR markers includes 14 mini-STR which makes it very effective for the human identification of the degraded samples like unidentified body remains.

This is a developmental validation study for NeoTyper, based on the listed Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) guidelines.

Methodology

We extracted the human genomic DNA from blood and FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded) samples, and performed PCR amplification for the 28 loci using the developed kit, NeoTyper, which features a six-dye chemistry. The amplified products were run on 3500xL Genetic Analyzer. We used GeneMapper ID-X v.1.4 (Applied Biosystems) to analyse peak height and allele calling. Developmental validation parameters, including genetic characterization, analysis of sensitivity, female-male mixture, precision, and accuracy (repeatability and reproducibility), were investigated and analysed. Furthermore, intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, as well as mini-STR analysis and validation were done.

Results

The developed NeoTyper Autosomal kit demonstrated 100 % sensitivity up to a DNA concentration of 62.5 pg, as measured by the number of alleles called. The assay also demonstrated good precision (measured in terms of standard deviation, SD ranging between 0.60 and 0.77) and reproducibility, with alleles called at 100 % accuracy. Furthermore, precision was high (measured as SD ranging from 0.50 to 0.66), with a 100 % accuracy. In 90.9 % of the samples (10 out of 11 female-male sample varied ratio), the mixture analysis revealed 100 % of the alleles being called. A comparative analysis of mini-STRs in GlobalFiler and NeoTyper Autosomal kit revealed a 100 % accuracy of the NeoTyper mini-STRs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NeoTyper Autosomal kit developed by Neom Scientific Solutions Pvt. Ltd. enables the amplification of 28 loci, which includes markers from expanded CODIS list; are NDIS accepted markers and comply with their recommended allelic range. The integration of mini-STRs in the kit demonstrates its efficacy and reliability, particularly when addressing the difficulties posed by degraded samples. This developmental validation study demonstrates consistent performance with high sensitivity, precision and accuracy (repeatability and reproducibility) which is indicative of an advanced and efficient system for human identification.