Locus Specific Bracket (LSB)

Locus Specific Bracket Analysis
with GeneMarker® HID

  • Cuts costs by eliminating the need for an allelic ladder
  • Improves sizing precision up to 0.1 basepairs
  • No ILS means an extra dye color for a more discriminating analysis
  • JelMarkerTM is the only software of its kind for analyzing LSB data
  • GeneMarker HID is easy-to-learn and user-friendly Windows®-based interface

The Technology
Recently, a new technique has been developed to size DNA fragments based on co-migrating locus marker fragments called Locus Specific Brackets (LSBs). There are several advantages to LSBs. First, since standard size fragments co-migrate with the sample DNA, a separate dye-color dedicated to the Internal Lane Standard (ILS) is not necessary. Secondly, run-to-run sizing precision is improved because sample DNA and LSB fragments are subject to the same environmental conditions in the capillary. Lastly, electrophoretic mobility over the 100-400bp range of typical forensic STR markers is nearly linear; therefore allelic ladder samples are not necessary for repeat unit identification.

Co-migrating LSB Peaks in TH01

LSBs bracket the two alleles in this locus resulting in approximately 0.1 basepair size resolution.

 

How it works
In order for LSB data to be analyzed with GeneMarker HID, the data must first be aligned and then an Internal Lane Standard created for each sample. We have developed our JelMarker image reading software to align LSB data and convert four-color raw data files (.fsa) into five-color (.sg1) files containing an ILS. These five-color data files are then uploaded to GeneMarker HID for profile determination.

Aligned LSB Dataset in JelMarker

Converting the raw trace files to a synthetic gel image allows JelMarker to automatically align the LSBs and add an ILS to each sample.

 

The Results
JelMarker’s successful alignment of LSB fragments and the subsequent STR analysis in GeneMarker HID prove to be very promising new techniques for the forensic community. Not only will the well space taken up by allelic ladders become available but additional dye colors for more loci positions could be implemented. The result is a more discriminatory test for forensic profile analyses.


Final Allele Report in GeneMarker HID

The final Allele Report in GeneMarker HID globally displays all loci in all dye colors with a special auto-scaling feature to automatically magnify even the smallest peaks.

 

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Christine Picard, M.S. and Jeffrey Wells, Ph.D. of West Virginia University for providing LSB data and their continuing collaboration with SoftGenetics.

References
1. Genetics and genomics of core short tandem repeat loci used in human identity testing. JM Butler. Journal of Forensic Science. 2006. 51 (253-265).

2. Inferring ethnic origin by means of an STR profile. AL Lowe, A Urquhart, LA Foreman, IW Evett. Forensic Science International. 2001. 119 (17-22).

3. Automated DNA profiling employing multiplex amplification of short tandem repeat loci. CP Kimpton, P Gill, A Walton, A Urquhart, ES Millican, M Adams. PCR Methods and Applications. 1993. 3 (13-22).

4. Evaluation of an automated DNA profiling system employing multiplex amplification of four tetrameric STR loci. C Kimpton, D Fisher, S Watson, M Adams, A Urquhart, J Lygo, P Gill. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 1994. 106 (302-311).

Application Notes

  • LSB Application Note [PDF]

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SoftGenetics, LLC
State College, PA 16803
Phone: 814-237-9340
Fax: 814-237-9343
info@softgenetics.com