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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
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Forensic proteomics for the evaluation of the post-mortem decay in bones
Noemi Procopio1, Anna Williams2, Andrew T Chamberlain3
1Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
Journal of Proteomics
|February 7, 2018
Summary
Estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) is crucial in forensic science. Bone proteomics offers new biomarkers, identifying protein changes to improve time since death estimations, especially for decomposed remains.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Accurate post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation is vital in forensic investigations.
- Current methods lack reliability, particularly with decomposed remains.
- Protein decay and modification during decomposition offer potential biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bone proteomic analysis for estimating PMI.
- To identify novel protein biomarkers for time since death estimation.
- To evaluate fetuin-A as a biomarker for biological age.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bone proteome in simulated forensic contexts.
- Quantification of protein abundance and post-translational modifications.
- Validation of previously identified biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Observed reduction in specific plasma and muscle proteins with increasing PMI.
- Detected increased deamidation of biglycan with prolonged post-mortem intervals.
- Corroborated fetuin-A as a reliable biomarker for age-at-death estimation.
Conclusions:
- Bone proteomic analysis shows significant potential for forensic science.
- Identified novel biomarkers can improve the accuracy of PMI estimation.
- Proteomics offers a promising avenue for advancing forensic investigations.
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