Application of transcriptome in time analysis and donor characterization in blood samples

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Forensic DNA typing is crucial for investigations.
• Characterizing biological evidence provides valuable case clues.
• Transcriptome analysis offers a novel approach to forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate time-dependent transcriptome variations in blood samples.
• To develop a model for classifying blood samples based on time since deposition (TSD).
• To identify transcriptomic markers for donor characteristics (smoking habits, sex).

Main Methods:

• Collected blood samples and stored them in vitro for up to 168 days.
• Employed a random forest model for classification of blood samples by TSD.
• Analyzed transcriptomic differences related to smoking habits and gender.

Main Results:

• Confirmed time-dependent transcriptome variations in blood samples.
• Successfully classified blood samples based on TSD using a random forest model.
• Identified HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DQA2 as markers for smoking habits.
• Identified RPS4Y1 and EIF1AY (NRY genes) as markers for male sex identification.

Conclusions:

• Transcriptome analysis can effectively estimate blood sample age.
• Transcriptome profiling can reveal donor smoking habits and sex.
• This study provides a foundation for transcriptome-based forensic methods.