The Future is Now for MPS mtDNA Analysis

The Future is Now for MPS mtDNA Analysis

The forensic community stands poised to transition to massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of mtDNA. Available MPS methods make mtDNA more accessible to forensic laboratories, enable routine analysis of the mtgenome, increase the utility of mtDNA via enhanced sensitivity, and act as a transition step from conventional STR to MPS-based STR/SNP analysis. The purpose of this workshop is to educate the community on the availability of complete systems for MPS analysis of mtDNA; including enrichment approaches, library preparation methods, instrument choices, and analysis software solutions. Materials will be distributed that will provide crime laboratories with the resources necessary to move forward with validation and implementation in their laboratories.

 

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of:

  1. The role of MPS in forensic mtDNA analysis
  2. The complete systems currently available for forensic MPS mtDNA analysis
  3. The paths to validation and implementation of forensic MPS mtDNA analysis

 

Intended Audience:

Forensic examiners and technical leaders in crime laboratories and private forensic DNA laboratories interested in exploring the possibilities of using MPS mtDNA analysis as a way of expanding their services and segueing into MPS analysis of STR and SNP loci. General knowledge of forensic DNA analysis and DNA sequencing are recommended.

 

Tentative Agenda:

8:30 – 8:40Introductions by the Chair and Co-Chair
8:40 – 9:25Crash Course in MPS mtDNA Analysis: Survey of ApproachesMitchell Holland, Penn State University
9:25 – 10:10Validation and Implementation of MPS mtDNA Analysis at the FBI Including Training, Proficiency Testing, and Other Details Relating to ImplementationMichael Brandhagen, FBI Laboratory
10:10 – 10:30BREAK
10:30 – 11:15SAM2 – Harmonizing Phylogenetic Alignment of mtDNA Haplotypes in Forensic Genetics and BeyondWalther Parson, Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck
11:15 – 12:00mtGenome Sequencing of NIST Reference Materials and Population SamplesKevin Kiesler, NIST
12:00 – 1:30LUNCH
1:30 – 2:10High Throughput mtDNA Sequencing: Data Analysis and Success Rates at AFDILKim Sturk-Andreaggi, Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
2:10 – 2:50MPS mtGenome Analysis of Challenging Samples in a Missing Persons DNA ProgramDaniela Cuenca, California DOJ Laboratory
2:50 – 3:10BREAK
3:10 – 3:50Interpretation of mtDNA Heteroplasmy: Assessing Rates, Drift, Differentiation of Maternal Relatives, and MoreMitchell Holland, Penn State University
3:50 – 4:30Genetic Privacy when Performing MPS Analysis on the mtGenome: CODIS & Missing Persons DatabasesMichael Brandhagen, FBI Laboratory
4:30 – 5:00Roundtable Discussion & Resource Distribution

 

The forensic community stands poised to transition to massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of mtDNA. Available MPS methods make mtDNA more accessible to forensic laboratories, enable routine analysis of the mtgenome, increase the utility of mtDNA via enhanced sensitivity, and act as a transition step from conventional STR to MPS-based STR/SNP analysis. The purpose of this workshop is to educate the community on the availability of complete systems for MPS analysis of mtDNA; including enrichment approaches, library preparation methods, instrument choices, and analysis software solutions. Materials will be distributed that will provide crime laboratories with the resources necessary to move forward with validation and implementation in their laboratories.

 

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of:

  1. The role of MPS in forensic mtDNA analysis
  2. The complete systems currently available for forensic MPS mtDNA analysis
  3. The paths to validation and implementation of forensic MPS mtDNA analysis

 

Intended Audience:

Forensic examiners and technical leaders in crime laboratories and private forensic DNA laboratories interested in exploring the possibilities of using MPS mtDNA analysis as a way of expanding their services and segueing into MPS analysis of STR and SNP loci. General knowledge of forensic DNA analysis and DNA sequencing are recommended.

 

Tentative Agenda:

8:30 – 8:40Introductions by the Chair and Co-Chair
8:40 – 9:25Crash Course in MPS mtDNA Analysis: Survey of ApproachesMitchell Holland, Penn State University
9:25 – 10:10Validation and Implementation of MPS mtDNA Analysis at the FBI Including Training, Proficiency Testing, and Other Details Relating to ImplementationMichael Brandhagen, FBI Laboratory
10:10 – 10:30BREAK
10:30 – 11:15SAM2 – Harmonizing Phylogenetic Alignment of mtDNA Haplotypes in Forensic Genetics and BeyondWalther Parson, Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck
11:15 – 12:00mtGenome Sequencing of NIST Reference Materials and Population SamplesKevin Kiesler, NIST
12:00 – 1:30LUNCH
1:30 – 2:10High Throughput mtDNA Sequencing: Data Analysis and Success Rates at AFDILKim Sturk-Andreaggi, Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
2:10 – 2:50MPS mtGenome Analysis of Challenging Samples in a Missing Persons DNA ProgramDaniela Cuenca, California DOJ Laboratory
2:50 – 3:10BREAK
3:10 – 3:50Interpretation of mtDNA Heteroplasmy: Assessing Rates, Drift, Differentiation of Maternal Relatives, and MoreMitchell Holland, Penn State University
3:50 – 4:30Genetic Privacy when Performing MPS Analysis on the mtGenome: CODIS & Missing Persons DatabasesMichael Brandhagen, FBI Laboratory
4:30 – 5:00Roundtable Discussion & Resource Distribution

 

Pricing:


  • Early Registration, before August 1st$225
  • Standard Registration, after August 1st$250
  • Student Registration$200

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.

Brought to you by

Worldwide Association of Women Forensic Experts

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