Epigenetic differentiation of monozygotic twins in forensic investigations using nanopore sequencing

Due to the identical nuclear DNA of monozygotic twins (MZTs), they cannot be distinguished by conventional forensic markers, such as short tandem repeats and single nucleotide variants. Oxford Nanopore sequencing could overcome this critical forensic challenge as the authors found that DNA methylation differences, particularly in non-CpG contexts, are reproducible biomarkers for MZT discrimination. The single-base resolution of methylation generated in real-time during sequencing makes Oxford Nanopore technology ideal for forensic casework by advancing precise human identification.

Sample type: DNA from peripheral blood

Kits: Ligation Sequencing Kit and PCR Barcoding Expansion