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A small RNA, microRNA as a potential biomolecular marker to estimate post mortem interval in forensic science: a
Roben Suhadi Pasaribu1, Elza Ibrahim Auerkari2, Antonius Winoto Suhartono1
1Division of Forensic Odontology, Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Background:
Post-mortem interval (PMI) is the cornerstone of the forensic field to investigate. The examination technique by seeing the changes in the body such as algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis is a traditional technique in which accuracy is influenced by many factors. A biomolecular technique that uses microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers is developing because miRNA has good stability than other RNA, so it meets the requirements to be used for PMI estimation.
Method:
Following the PRISMA guidelines, journals were taken from 5 databases: Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, and Springer. The review was carried out by two people. Inclusion criteria in this review are original research, published in the last 10 years, discussing miRNA as a biomarker for PMI estimation, and free full access. While exclusion criteria are not original research and not using English.
Result:
Eighteen journals were reviewed in this study. The study was conducted using test animals (rats) and human samples with tissue sources taken from the liver, skeletal muscle, blood, bone, heart, skin, saliva, semen, brain, lung, vitreous humor, spleen, and kidney. miRNA expression levels after death showed different results based on miRNA target, tissue source, and others.
Discussion:
The results of each study are different due to the use of different types of miRNA targets and tissue sources. miRNA has great potential to estimate PMI in forensic science, but it is necessary to control the influencing factors to obtain an accurate conclusion.
Insights
MicroRNA (miRNA) shows promise as a stable biomarker for estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic science. However, variations in miRNA targets and tissue sources necessitate controlled studies for accurate PMI determination.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation is crucial in forensic investigations.
- Traditional methods relying on physical changes are often inaccurate.
- MicroRNA (miRNA) offers a stable alternative for PMI estimation due to its resilience.
Approach:
- A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
- Five major scientific databases were searched for relevant studies.
- Inclusion criteria focused on original research within the last decade, utilizing miRNA for PMI estimation.
Key Points:
- Eighteen studies were reviewed, encompassing animal and human samples from diverse tissues.
- miRNA expression levels varied significantly based on specific miRNA targets and tissue origins.
- The stability of miRNA makes it a viable candidate for forensic applications.
Conclusions:
- The variability in current miRNA-based PMI estimation highlights the need for standardized methodologies.
- Controlling for factors like miRNA targets and tissue types is essential for reliable results.
- miRNA holds significant potential for advancing forensic science in PMI determination.
