P082 – Further Development and Application of an mRNA/miRNA-based Approach for the Identification of Forensically Relevant Body Fluids in Casework-relevant Trace Scenarios, Including STR Analysis

10:37

Wednesday August 19^th

Station 17

Duration: 12 minutes

04. Forensic biology

Theresa Wöhrle

mRNA-based identification of forensically relevant body fluids (BFI) has become an established analytical tool in forensic casework in recent years. With the integration of miRNA markers, this approach has been further developed, particularly to enable the successful analysis of degraded trace material. Due to their short length and binding to protein complexes, miRNAs are less susceptible to degradation under environmental influences such as humidity or UV radiation. In addition to tissue typing, STR typing is of major importance in forensic genetics. Standard STR assays yield reliable results for non-degraded DNA. However, in highly degraded samples, allele drop-outs may occur; in such cases, so-called mini-STR kits provide more complete genetic profiles.

In this study, various case scenarios involving the forensically relevant body fluids blood, semen, and saliva were investigated. DNA/RNA co-extraction was performed on the samples, followed by tissue typing using both an mRNA-based approach and a combined mRNA/miRNA assay. Furthermore, STR analysis was conducted using the ESSplex SE QS kit (Qiagen) as well as the mini-STR PowerPlex® 18E System (Promega). The following case scenarios were investigated: (1) a knife with adhering traces of blood for several weeks in tap water compared to lake water; (2) paper drinking straws used for either water or rum consumption and subsequently stored for several weeks; and (3) semen contained in a condom stored for several weeks either “open” or tied.

These case scenarios provide important insights into the detectability of forensic traces. The mRNA/miRNA assay demonstrates particular relevance for the analysis of aged and degraded trace material. Moreover, the use of the PowerPlex® 18E System (Promega) shows a considerably reduced incidence of allele drop-outs. Overall, the systematic analysis of these scenarios provides scientifically grounded insights that contribute to addressing practical questions in forensic casework.

Authors

Theresa Wöhrle (Institute of legal medicine Ulm, Germany)
Malte Bamberg (Institute of legal medicine Ulm, Germany)
Sebastian N. Kunz (Institute of legal medicine Ulm, Germany)

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P082 – Further Development and Application of an mRNA/miRNA-based Approach for the Identification of Forensically Relevant Body Fluids in Casework-relevant Trace Scenarios, Including STR Analysis

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