Illumina and UNTHSC Apply New Sequencing Technologies to Forensics

Illumina (San Diego, CA, USA) has entered into a collaboration with the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC; Fort Worth, TX, USA) focused on applying the firm's next-generation sequencing technologies to forensics.

The partners intend to study a range of genetic markers for human identity testing, pharmacogenetics for molecular autopsy, microbial forensics, and other markers and methods that could generate investigative leads in criminal cases or for national security applications. Further terms of the alliance were not disclosed.

Illumina will work with scientists at UNTHSC's Institute of Applied Genetics and the department of forensic and investigative genetics to develop and validate assays for forensic identification.

"Our work with Illumina enables us to design sample preparation, analytical protocols, hardware, and software that expand the capabilities of forensic DNA analysts," Bruce Budowle, executive director of UNT's Institute of Applied Genetics and vice chair of the department of forensic and investigative genetics, said in a statement. "Results of these projects will allow forensic scientists to accelerate implementation of the next wave of forensic DNA analysis tools."

Illumina is a leading developer and manufacturer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. The company provides innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. The technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.

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