Algorithmic advances towards a fully automated DNA genotyping system

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2004.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-47).Short Tandem Repeats (STR) genotyping is a leading tool in forensic DNA analysis. In STR genotyping, alleles in a sample are identified by measuring their lengths to form a genetic profile. Forming a genetic profile is time-consuming and labor-intensive. As the technology matures, increasing demand for improved throughput and efficiency is fueling development of automated forensic DNA analysis systems. This thesis describes two algorithmic advances towards implementing such a system. In particular, the algorithms address motif-matching and pattern recognition issues that arise in processing a genetic profile. The algorithms were initially written in MATLAB and later converted into C++ for incorporation into a prototype, automated system.by Manway Michael Liu.M.Eng