mRNA for Body Fluid and Individual Identification

Electrophoresis. 2024 Nov 5. doi: 10.1002/elps.202400077. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Biological stains are one of the most important pieces of evidence, playing a multifaceted role in forensic investigations. An integral facet of forensic practice involves the identification of body fluids, typically achieved through chemical and enzymatic reactions. In recent decades, the introduction of mRNA markers has been posited as a pivotal advancement to augment the capabilities of body fluid identification (BFID). The mRNA coding region single-nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) also present notable advantages, particularly in the task of individual identification. Here, we review the specificity and stability of mRNA markers in the context of BFID and the prowess of mRNA polymorphism in individual identification. Additionally, innovative methods for mRNA detection are discussed.

Keywords: RNA polymorphism; body fluid identification; coding region single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs); forensic science; mRNA; mixture deconvolution.

Publication types

  • Review