Protein Glycosylation: A Novel Forensic Biomarker for Identical Twin Discrimination
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
13th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 28-29 August 2025 | Berlin Germany
Discriminating between monozygotic (identical) twins has long posed a challenge in forensic science. Since their DNA sequences are nearly indistinguishable, conventional genetic tools such as short tandem repeat (STR) profiling often fail to tell them apart. This creates a critical gap in forensic investigations where precise individual identification is essential.
Why Protein Glycosylation?
While researchers have explored epigenetic markers for twin differentiation, many of these markers are unstable, degrade easily, or are unsuitable for field samples. Protein glycosylation—an essential post-translational modification where sugars are attached to proteins—offers a new solution. Unlike DNA, glycosylation patterns can vary between individuals (even identical twins) due to environmental influences, lifestyle, and cellular processes.
The Study
In this study, researchers investigated whether protein glycosylation modifications could be used to distinguish monozygotic twins. Blood samples were collected from six unrelated individuals and three twin pairs, divided into two groups (A and B). Two key techniques were used:
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Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): Identified 720 unique N-glycosylation-modified peptides. Among these, 77 were specific to group A and 50 unique to group B, showing clear differences even within twin pairs.
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Western Blotting (WB): Focused on O-GlcNAc expression patterns, which successfully differentiated both unrelated individuals and identical twins, despite subtle within-pair variations.
Key Findings
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Protein glycosylation shows unique, stable patterns that differ between monozygotic twins.
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These differences are strong enough to enable forensic discrimination where traditional DNA profiling cannot.
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The approach demonstrates promise as a robust forensic biomarker, though larger-scale validation and real-world testing are still required.
Implications for Forensics and Beyond
This breakthrough could transform forensic identification by providing investigators with a reliable tool to distinguish identical twins—something previously considered nearly impossible. Beyond forensics, the research also opens doors to personalized medicine and disease diagnostics, where glycosylation signatures may serve as valuable indicators of health and disease.
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