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Review
. 2022 Aug 1;13(8):1381.
doi: 10.3390/genes13081381.

Bridging Disciplines to Form a New One: The Emergence of Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Claire L Glynn  1
Affiliations
Review

Bridging Disciplines to Form a New One: The Emergence of Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Claire L Glynn. Genes (Basel). .

Abstract

Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) has fast become a popular tool in criminal investigations since it first emerged in 2018. FGG is a novel investigatory tool that has been applied to hundreds of unresolved cold cases in the United States to generate investigative leads and identify unknown individuals. Consumer DNA testing and the public's increased curiosity about their own DNA and genetic ancestry, have greatly contributed to the availability of human genetic data. Genetic genealogy has been a field of study/interest for many years as both amateur and professional genetic genealogists use consumer DNA data to explore genetic connections in family trees. FGG encompasses this knowledge by applying advanced sequencing technologies to forensic DNA evidence samples and by performing genetic genealogy methods and genealogical research, to produce possible identities of unknown perpetrators of violent crimes and unidentified human remains. This combination of forensic genetics, genetic genealogy, and genealogical research has formed a new subdiscipline within the forensic sciences. This paper will summarize the individual disciplines that led to the emergence of FGG, its practice in forensic investigations, and current/future considerations for its use.

Keywords: DNA; Forensic Genetic Genealogy; Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms; consumer DNA testing; forensic genetics; forensic science; genealogy; investigations.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Matching DNA segment measured in centiMorgans (cM) for DNA matches.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Shared cM Relationship Chart with the average and range (min-max) shared cMs for each relationship type. Image credit—Blaine T. Bettinger [14].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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