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Exploring the Post Mortem Interval (PMI) Estimation Model by circRNA circRnf169 in Mouse Liver Tissue
Jiewen Fu1,2, Binghui Song1,2,3, Jie Qian1,2
1Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
Abstract:
Estimating the post mortem interval (PMI) is a crucial and contentious issue in forensic research, particularly in criminal cases. Traditional methods for PMI estimation are limited by constraints and inaccuracies. Circular RNA (circRNA), formed through exon or intron looping to create a complete circular structure without a 5' end cap and a 3' poly(A) tail, exhibits exceptional stability, abundance, and tissue-specific characteristics that make it potentially valuable for PMI estimation. However, research on the exploration or application of circRNA in PMI estimation has been limited. This study aims to investigate the correlation between circRNA and PMI. In this study, liver tissue samples were collected from mice at six different time points at 4 °C, 18 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C, respectively. The reference gene 28S rRNA and the biomarker circRnf169 were successfully screened. Quantitative PCR was employed to examine the correlation between circRnf169 levels and PMI. At 4 °C, the level of circRnf169 decreased with prolonged PMI, whereas at 18 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C, the circRnf169 RNA was degraded rapidly, indicating that circRnf169 is suitable for PMI estimation at low temperatures or early PMI. These findings suggest the establishment of mathematical model for early PMI based on circRnf169 using liver tissue, which may serve as a reliable marker. Further research is required in order to develop more markers in mice and/or to validate these mathematical models in human samples.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) show promise for estimating post mortem intervals (PMI). This study found circRnf169 levels in mouse liver tissue correlate with PMI, especially at low temperatures, suggesting its use in early PMI determination.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Estimating post mortem interval (PMI) is critical in forensic investigations but traditional methods face limitations.
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) offer stability and tissue-specificity, making them potential biomarkers for PMI estimation.
- Current research on circRNA applications in PMI determination is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between circRNA expression and PMI.
- To explore the potential of circRNAs as reliable biomarkers for PMI estimation in forensic science.
- To establish a mathematical model for early PMI determination using circRNA levels.
Main Methods:
- Liver tissue samples were collected from mice at various time points and temperatures (4°C, 18°C, 25°C, 35°C).
- Quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of the reference gene 28S rRNA and the biomarker circRnf169.
- Correlation analysis was performed to link circRnf169 levels with post mortem intervals.
Main Results:
- The expression of circRnf169 decreased with prolonged PMI at 4°C.
- At higher temperatures (18°C, 25°C, 35°C), circRnf169 degraded rapidly.
- These results indicate circRnf169 is suitable for PMI estimation at low temperatures or early post mortem stages.
Conclusions:
- circRnf169 in mouse liver tissue can serve as a reliable marker for early PMI estimation, particularly under cold conditions.
- A mathematical model for early PMI determination based on circRnf169 levels in liver tissue is proposed.
- Further research is needed to develop additional markers and validate these findings in human samples.
