Objective
Genomcore aims at creating a new compatible interface for DNA-based biometrical identification consider-ing the exponential growth of public (governmental) and private repositories of complete genomic se-quences. These genomic databanks, containing Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data, commonly used for healthcare and biomedical purposes, can be a massive source of inexpensive and reliable DNA fingerprints with broad applications in forensics, law enforcement and identification purposes.
This system will be based in the count of short-tandem repeats (STRs) allowing collation with existing CODIS and CODIS-based databases . Additionally, the company wants to explore a method for generating DNA fingerprinting based on the hashing of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), which can lead to a potentially cheaper and fast-er mechanism for collating biological samples with the database. The generated fingerprints will always be complete-ly devoid of any personal, health or private information, thus enabling identification while ensuring privacy protec-tion.
Genomcore Identity can represent a qualitative leap in biometric identification since:
1. Addresses the controversial topic of using public and commercial genomic databanks for biometric identification, while preserving the privacy of the DNA donors through the proxy.
2. Provides a controlled, extremely valuable and yet inexpensive solution to authorities for collating new DNA profiles with already existing genomic databases, extending DNA forensics to use cases that are unfeasible nowadays (i.e. a fast identification of large cohorts of victims in accidents or terrorist attacks).
3. Provides legacy compatibility with CODIS profiles but also offers a new option to use SNP hashes, offering higher sensitivity, shorter response times and a ~50% less cost than existing methodologies.
4. The SNP hashing technique has the potential to use the new generation of portable DNA sequencers.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
08950 ESPLUGUES DE LLOBREGAT
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.