Age estimation from epigenetic features of hair DNA

PI Richard Green in the Biomolecular Engineering Department of UC Santa Cruz proposes to implement a lab procedure and software program to provide an age estimation of an individual from DNA fragment features from single, rootless hairs. The purpose is to collect DNA from 100 individuals for training data for the model. The model will learn and relate DNA fragmentation features to cytosine methylation and nucleosome position, both of which change regularly with the age of individual.  This software and laboratory technique will be available for the community, chiefly to assist in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy. Project activities will include collecting hair and saliva from 200 volunteers and processing 100 of these for DNA extraction, library preparation, and DNA sequencing. We will train and evaluate our age prediction model with these data. Expected outcomes include software for estimating the age of an individual using DNA sequence data from rootless hair shafts, scientific manuscripts describing this technique, and presentations at forensic conferences. Intended beneficiaries are the community of genetic genealogists and other forensic practitioners. There are no subawards or subrecipient activities on this project. CA/NCF