Development and Evaluation of a Whole Genome Amplification Method for Accurate Multiplex STR Genotyping of Compromised Forensic Casework Samples

Whole genome amplification (WGA) techniques have been used in a number of molecular diagnostic areas, including embryonics, cancer biology, histopathology, and in a variety of studies on molecular diseases. WGA allows low copy number DNA samples to be preamplified such that high quality, high yield DNA samples can be available for a variety of downstream amplification techniques and analyses (such as STR analysis). This project will evaluate whole genome amplification for forensic applications. As part of these studies, this project will evaluate the ability of all WGA products to generate a correct profile with distinct and balanced peaks at all multiplexed STR loci with minimal stochastic variation. Additionally, after optimization experiments have been completed, testing experiments will be performed using non-probative evidence from forensic cases. ca/ncf