DNA Database Searching Using Genetic Relationship

Department of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,

Korea. sdlee@snu.ac.kr

Forensic DNA Division, Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, Seoul, Korea

Forensic DNA Center, National Forensic Service, Seoul, Korea

Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Institute of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

The usefulness of DNA databases is well known. In Korea, many cases have been solved since the establishment of DNA databases in 2010. DNA profiles obtained from criminal evidence are analyzed and are kept in databases, and matching profile is searched. On the matching occasion, DNA databases can provide some investigative information. Close family members, for example father, son or brother, share more alleles than unrelated people. This genetic closeness can be searched using the so called familial searching, and many successful cases have been reported. Management of DNA databases including familial searching needs continuous monitoring and control, especially from ethical view points. Many different views for familial searching have been presented, and each country running DNA databases has their own different policies. We present the utility, approaches and different policies of familial searching as well as arguments for and against familial searching. We also suggest that our appropriate guidelines be mandatory and a proper administrative process be prepared for the start of familial searching.

Key words : forensic, DNA databases, familial searching

Review article