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A miRNome analysis at the early postmortem interval
Mariano Guardado-Estrada1, Christian A Cárdenas-Monroy1, Vanessa Martínez-Rivera1
1Laboratorio de Genética, Ciencia Forense, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
Peerj
|June 12, 2023
Summary
Researchers analyzed microRNAs (miRNAs) in rat skeletal muscle to estimate early postmortem intervals (PMI). They identified 156 dysregulated miRNAs, suggesting their potential as reliable biomarkers for forensic science.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in forensic investigations.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers due to their stability.
- Previous studies have explored various molecules for PMI estimation with variable success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the miRNome in rat skeletal muscle at early postmortem intervals (PMI).
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for estimating early PMI.
- To explore the role of miRNAs in biological processes following death.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the miRNome in rat skeletal muscle using Affymetrix GeneChip™ miRNA 4.0 microarrays.
- Quantification and statistical analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs at 24 hours postmortem.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify mRNA targets of dysregulated miRNAs.
Main Results:
- 156 miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in rat skeletal muscle at 24 h PMI (84 downregulated, 72 upregulated).
- Significant changes observed in specific miRNAs, including miR-139-5p (downregulated) and rno-miR-92b-5p (upregulated).
- Identified mRNA targets involved in crucial biological processes like cell growth and response to low oxygen; observed changes in SIRT1 and TGFBR2 mRNA levels.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are actively involved in biological processes during early postmortem intervals.
- Dysregulated miRNAs in skeletal muscle show potential as biomarkers for early PMI estimation.
- Further research into miRNA profiles could enhance forensic science capabilities for determining time since death.
