Advanced molecular techniques in distinguishing monozygotic twins for forensic applications

Despite significant advancements in the forensic DNA analysis techniques, one of the major limitations is the availability of a gold standard genetic technique to distinguishing the monozygotic (MZ) twins. NGS mediated deep sequencing approach is capable of detecting the rare post-zygotic mutations. Despite having a similarity DNA profile, tiny differences in the personality, living habits and disease susceptibility, leads to the observance of epigenetic changes. Both DNA methylation and histone acetylation have demonstrated scientific approach of distinguishing MZ twins. The stable non-coding RNAs, i.e., miRNA, circRNA, and tsRNA have been targeted in most of the studies to differentiate the MZ twins based on their differential expression. The inception of MPS technology allows the rapid sequencing of whole mtDNA genome. It allows the identification of rare mutational events as well as the heteroplasmic DNA to accurately distinguish the MZ twins. Emergence of IRs like TCRβCDR3 have also shown promise as a potential biomarker in distinguishing MZ twins. Analysis of the relatively more stable molecules by proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome analysis have also demonstrated their MZ twins' differential capability. The present article highlights the technological advancements in the forensic differentiation of the MZ twins and their respective pros and cons.