The Theoretical Framework for the Panels of DNA Markers Formation in the Forensic Determination of an Individual Ancestral Origin

The knowledge of the ancestry of an unknown individual from forensic DNA may provide important information for law enforcement investigation. This information can be acquired from biological traces by means of massive parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies and developed arrays of ancestry informative DNA markers (AIM panels). Development of forensic AIM panels takes two steps: (1) obtainment of information on DNA polymorphism of individuals from different populations; (2) selection of polymorphic DNA markers (autosomal, Y-, X-chromosomal) and their validation. The necessity of keeping medical secrecy for the protection of human rights may limit the usage of ancestry informative markers suitable for forensic needs if they are also associated with genetic diseases and physical traits. The present article deals with the analysis of published strategies for selecting markers capable of differentiating populations to design a panel of ancestry informative markers and applying it in forensic analysis in the Republic of Belarus.