A short review on the use of short tandem repeat based DNA profiling in sexual assault

Abstract

Forensic DNA evidence can convict perpetrators who would otherwise have escaped, hence the reason for its growth in case evidence over the years. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, continues to be the mainstay for forensic DNA testing due to its robustness and high power of discrimination. The ‘core STRs’ in forensics, are highly polymorphic, and unique to an individual, therefore proven as important investigative leads in cases of identification of perpetrators in sexual assault, thereby ensuring justice. The common STRs used to date are autosomal STRs, Y-STRs, mini STRs and recently, Deletion Insertion Polymorphism-STRs. This article reviews current literature and discusses the advantages and limitations of each STR marker and their targets in different challenging samples. It aims to provide intuition on minimising ambiguous profiles for case evidence in sexual assault and thereby, reduce the chances of wrongful conviction by DNA evidence.