# Genetic Prediction of Eye, Hair, and Skin Color: Forensic Applications and Challenges in Latin American Populations

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how DNA can predict eye, hair, and skin color in forensic investigations, focusing on challenges in Latin American populations.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the need to adapt forensic DNA phenotyping methods for Latin American admixed populations.

## Key findings

- Forensic DNA phenotyping can predict externally visible traits like eye, hair, and skin color from genetic data.
- Current FDP technologies are mostly validated for European populations, limiting their use in Latin America.
- Admixed genetic structures in Latin American populations pose significant challenges for accurate trait prediction.

## Abstract

Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) is an important innovation approach in forensics sciences, especially when traditional DNA profiling results are limited, mostly due to the absence of reference samples. FDP is based on the detection of genetic variants in specific genes whose function is related to pigmentation mechanisms and uses the genotypes found in the sample to determine the externally visible traits (EVT) such as the iris, hair, and skin tone or color of the individual; this prediction would help and expedite human identification processes and solve criminal cases. Several technologies have been developed to facilitate EVT prediction; however, most of them have been validated only in European populations. Implementing techniques for FDP in Latin American countries is essential given the problems of disappearance and human identification that have persisted for years. Nonetheless, scientists have a great challenge due to the admixed genetic structure of the population. This review explores the current application of FDP, emphasizing its significance, practical uses, and limitations within Latin American populations.