PedExpert: a computer program for the application of Bayesian networks to human paternity testing.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Genetics
• Computational Biology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Parentage testing often faces challenges due to incomplete genetic data from alleged fathers.
• Incorporating genetic mutations into standard paternity analysis models can be computationally complex.
• Existing software may not adequately address these complexities, leading to potential errors and extended analysis times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce PedExpert, a novel Bayesian network software designed for complex parentage testing.
• To demonstrate PedExpert's capability in handling missing genetic information and gene mutations efficiently.
• To reduce logical and operational errors in paternity testing analysis.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Windows-based Bayesian network software (PedExpert).
• Implementation of algorithms to convert pedigree data and genetic information (genotypes, allele frequencies, mutation rates) into Bayesian networks.
• Integration of a novel feature to incorporate gene mutation information directly into conditional probability tables without altering network structure.

Main Results:

• PedExpert automates the construction and manipulation of Bayesian networks for parentage testing.
• The software effectively handles complex cases involving missing genetic data and gene mutations.
• A unique feature allows seamless analysis of cases with or without considering gene mutations using the same network.

Conclusions:

• PedExpert significantly reduces analysis time for complex paternity testing scenarios.
• The software enhances user-friendliness and minimizes logical and operational errors.
• PedExpert offers a robust and efficient solution for modern parentage testing challenges.