Forensic characterization of the 94 identity-informative SNPs included in the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit in a Mexican population sample.

BACKGROUND

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have emerged as valuable markers in human identification when short tandem repeat analysis fails to solve casework.

METHODS

The panel of 94 identity-informative SNPs included in the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit was evaluated in Mexican Mestizo populations using massively parallel sequencing. A total of 104 samples from three geographic regions were analyzed and combined with 357 previously published profiles from Nuevo León, Jalisco, and Mexico City to generate a national dataset (n = 461). Forensic parameters, genetic differentiation, and population structure were assessed across regions.

RESULTS

High combined power of discrimination, minimal population substructure, and low interpopulation differentiation were observed. The low differentiation between populations supports the use of a unified national SNP database for human identification purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the use of a unified national iiSNP reference database for forensic human identification in Mexico. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive iiSNP reference dataset for the Mexican population to date, integrating regional data to establish a national framework for forensic applications.