Early postmortem interval estimation based on Cdc25b mRNA in rat cardiac tissue

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Accurate postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is crucial in forensic investigations.
• Current methods for PMI assessment are limited to days to weeks.
• There is a need for reliable molecular markers to determine early PMI (within 24 hours).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sensitive mRNA markers for estimating early postmortem intervals (up to 24 hours).
• To investigate the potential of mRNA degradation as an indicator of early PMI.
• To develop a predictive model for early PMI estimation using molecular markers.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 217 mRNA markers in rat cardiac tissue using microarrays.
• Validation of candidate markers using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) at various time points and temperatures.
• Development and verification of a mathematical model for PMI estimation using R software.

Main Results:

• Cell division cycle 25 homolog B (Cdc25b) demonstrated the strongest correlation with early PMI.
• A predictive model based on Cdc25b achieved an error rate of less than 15%.
• Rpl27 was identified as a suitable endogenous control for normalization.

Conclusions:

• Cdc25b is a sensitive molecular marker for estimating early postmortem intervals.
• The developed mathematical model shows high predictive power for early PMI.
• This study provides novel molecular approaches for early PMI estimation using mRNA markers.