Exploring the Post Mortem Interval (PMI) Estimation Model by circRNA circRnf169 in Mouse Liver Tissue

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.