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Cell death proteins as markers of early postmortem interval
Sara C Zapico1, Sofía T Menéndez, Paula Núñez
1Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, 10th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20560, USA, saiczapico@gmail.com.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|December 4, 2013
Summary
Forensic scientists can estimate time since death using mRNA levels of Fas Ligand (FasL) and PTEN. These cell death markers show a time-dependent increase in the early postmortem interval, up to 6 hours after death.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Estimating time since death is a critical challenge in forensic investigations.
- Cellular decomposition, initiated by autolysis, involves cell death signaling pathways.
- Existing methods for postmortem interval estimation have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of mRNA expression of Fas Ligand (FasL) and PTEN as early postmortem interval (PMI) markers.
- To analyze the time-dependent changes in FasL and PTEN mRNA levels within the first 8 hours postmortem.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative-PCR (qPCR) was employed to measure mRNA expression levels.
- FasL and PTEN mRNA were analyzed in samples from 2 to 8 hours postmortem.
- Regression analysis was used to correlate mRNA levels with time since death.
Main Results:
- A time-dependent increase in both FasL and PTEN mRNA levels was observed up to 6 hours postmortem.
- A positive linear correlation was established between the mRNA expression of these proteins and time since death within the first 6 hours.
- These findings suggest FasL and PTEN are potential biomarkers for early PMI estimation.
Conclusions:
- Fas Ligand (FasL) and PTEN mRNA expression can serve as reliable indicators for estimating the postmortem interval within 6 hours.
- Further research is warranted to identify additional cell death markers and extend the applicability to longer postmortem intervals.
