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Potential applications of microRNA profiling to forensic investigations

Claire L Glynn1

  • 1Department of Forensic Science, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA.

RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|October 30, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Forensic science is exploring microRNA (miRNA) analysis for identifying biological fluids and estimating donor age. This review evaluates current literature and future potential for these novel criminal investigation tools.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • MicroRNA (miRNA) analysis, discovered in 1993, is increasingly applied in forensic science.
  • Forensic miRNA analysis primarily focuses on identifying body fluids in biological stains.
  • The application of miRNA profiling in forensics has gained significant traction in the last decade.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current literature on miRNA analysis in forensic science.
  • To evaluate the potential of understudied forensic applications of miRNA profiling.
  • To explore future directions for miRNA analysis in criminal investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on miRNA analysis in forensic science.
  • Analysis of current applications, focusing on body fluid identification.
  • Identification of understudied areas like organ tissue identification and age estimation.

Main Results:

  • miRNA analysis is a valuable tool for confirmatory identification of biological stains.
  • Potential exists for miRNA profiling in organ tissue identification and donor age estimation.
  • Further research is needed to explore and validate these understudied forensic applications.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA analysis offers promising advancements for forensic investigations.
  • Expanding miRNA applications beyond body fluid identification is crucial.
  • Continued research will enhance the utility of miRNA profiling in forensic science.
Keywords:
body fluid identificationforensic investigationsforensic sciencemicroRNA profilingorgan tissue source identification

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