Language
English
Publication Date
2-16-2026
Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DOI
10.3390/ijms27041889
PMID
41752025
PMCID
PMC12940929
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
2-16-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Forensic human identification relies on length-based differences in short tandem repeats (STRs) across autosomal and Y chromosomes, which require separate reactions and provide limited resolution. While next-generation sequencing offers greater discriminatory power, most platforms are expensive and restricted to traditional lab settings. Nanopore sequencing has the potential to change this with the real-time, portable MinION sequencer. However, forensic-specific tools that generate STR profiles compatible with established length-based databases are lacking. To address this, we developed STRspy2.0, which simultaneously profiles autosomal and Y-STRs using nanopore reads. STRspy2.0 produced accurate profiles for 54 multiplexed control libraries and 41 mock casework samples (blood, swab, bone), achieving overall F1-scores of 100% and 99.75%, respectively. It maintains compatibility with existing forensic databases while providing higher resolution than traditional profiles. Our updated method and comprehensive database, along with the MinION's small size and price, make sequence-based STR profiling more accessible to forensic laboratories and resource-limited settings.
Keywords
Humans, Microsatellite Repeats, DNA Fingerprinting, Forensic Genetics, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Chromosomes, Human, Y, Nanopore Sequencing, Software, DNA sequencing, human identification, short tandem repeats, nanopore sequencing, bioinformatics, STRspy
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Hall, Courtney L; Kesharwani, Rupesh K; McBroom Henson, Katherine E; et al., "STRspy2.0: Unlocking the Potential of Long Reads for Forensic DNA Profiling" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7167.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7167