Proteomic Characterization of Damaged Single Hairs Recovered after an Explosion for Protein-Based Human...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Proteomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Hair evidence is crucial in forensic investigations, but DNA analysis can be compromised by explosive events.
• Current forensic analysis of hair primarily relies on morphology, underutilizing its proteomic potential.
• Protein-based identification using genetically variant peptides (GVPs) offers an alternative when DNA is degraded.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of explosive blasts on the hair proteome and GVP identification.
• To evaluate microscopy as a method to predict proteomic profiling success in recovered hair samples.
• To quantify the discriminative power of GVP analysis in hair exposed to explosions.

Main Methods:

• Proteomic analysis of single human hairs subjected to explosive blast conditions.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess hair cuticle damage.
• Genetically variant peptide (GVP) detection for individualization.

Main Results:

• Minimal degradation of the hair proteome was observed post-explosion, with specific keratins and keratin-associated proteins showing damage.
• SEM analysis corroborated the proteomic findings, identifying cuticular damage.
• Successful proteome profiling and GVP identification were achieved in single hairs irrespective of morphological damage or explosion conditions.
• GVP analysis demonstrated consistent discriminative power in both exploded and undamaged hair samples.

Conclusions:

• Hair proteome profiling and GVP analysis are robust methods for forensic identification, even after exposure to explosive blasts.
• Microscopy can aid in predicting the success of proteomic analysis in damaged hair.
• GVP analysis provides reliable individualization of hair evidence, enhancing forensic capabilities.