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P151 – A Kit for Kids: Age-Specific RNA Markers to Identify Minors in Forensic Trace Analysis
In forensic case work, DNA evidence alone without further information on the nature of the trace is often insufficient for the resolve and reconstruction of a crime, particularly on crime scenes where family members are legitimate trace donors. Further challenges arise in cases of suspected domestic sexual child abuse: in mixed DNA profiles without a clear major contributor, it is frequently impossible to determine whether the trace originates from the parents alone or involves their biological child as well, due to the inheritance of alleles. Yet this distinction is crucial, especially when victims are too young to testify or are intimidated.
To close this evidentiary gap, we propose a method to identify age- and growth-specific RNA markers for usage in combination with our routinely used RNA-based body fluid identification (BFI).
Voluntarily provided buccal swabs were collected from informed, healthy participants across five age groups (0–2, 3–8, 9–12, 13–18, and >18 years). Potential RNA candidates will be obtained by Illumina stranded total RNA and NextFlex small RNA NovaSeq sequencing. For the Seq data analysis, all underage groups will be compared against the adult group individually and collectively, as well as against each other. Differentially upregulated RNA transcripts with potential for forensic trace analysis will be identified and validated using the routine case workflow of RNA extraction, reverse transcription, multiplex PCR, and capillary electrophoresis.
Here, we present the study design, preliminary results and outlook. Our goal is to establish an RNA marker set to confirm the contribution of minors in forensically relevant body fluid traces, in both mock and real case samples. The focus is set on mRNA to facilitate integration into existing mRNA-based BFI and organ tissue identification (OTI) assays, yet differentially upregulated small RNAs will also be evaluated. Where possible, we aim to narrow down the age group and support forensic age determination in cases where adult/minor status is unknown.
Authors
- Miriam Beinicke (Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
- Maria Seidel (Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
- Jan Euteneuer (Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
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