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Characterization of the standard and recommended CODIS markers
Sara H Katsanis1, Jennifer K Wagner
1Genome Ethics, Law & Policy, Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, 304 Research Drive, Box 90141, Durham, NC 27708, USA. sara.katsanis@duke.edu
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 29, 2012
Summary
DNA profiles used in U.S. courts lack biomedically relevant information. Analysis confirms that Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) markers do not associate with known phenotypes, ensuring privacy and identification only.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Genetics
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- U.S. courts face constitutional challenges regarding DNA identification applications.
- Judicial decisions often rely on the fingerprint analogy, questioning the potential for DNA profiles to reveal sensitive biomedical information.
- The selection criteria for Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) loci, particularly their lack of phenotypic associations, require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the phenotypic relevance of standard and recommended CODIS markers.
- To characterize the genomic regions and phenotypic associations of the 24 CODIS markers.
- To provide an independent scientific assessment of the information contained within CODIS profiles.
Main Methods:
- Genomic characterization of the 24 standard and suggested CODIS markers.
- Analysis of potential phenotypic associations for each marker.
- Review of current genomic knowledge regarding the identified marker regions.
Main Results:
- None of the analyzed CODIS markers are located within exons; 12 are intragenic.
- No association was found between CODIS genotypes and any known phenotypes.
- The study confirms that CODIS markers are not linked to observable traits or medical conditions.
Conclusions:
- CODIS profiles provide reliable identification markers.
- The analyzed CODIS markers do not reveal sensitive or biomedically relevant information.
- This finding supports the use of CODIS for identification purposes without compromising privacy.
