Rapid DNA Re-Identification for Cell Line Authentication and Forensics

DNA re-identification is used for a broad range of applications, ranging from cell line authentication to crime scene sample identification. However, current re-identification schemes suffer from high latency. Here, we describe a rapid, inexpensive, and portable strategy to re-identify human DNA called MinION sketching. Using data from Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ sequencer, MinION sketching requires only 3min of sequencing and ~91 random SNPs to identify a sample, enabling near real-time applications of DNA re-identification. This method capitalizes on the vastly growing availability of genomic reference data for individuals and cancer cell lines. Hands-on preparation of the samples can be reduced to