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Title

P303 – Optimising Methods for the Identification and Isolation of Epithelial Cell Types Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

10:25

Friday August 21^st

Station 15

Duration: 12 minutes

04. Forensic biology

Ishana Somers

The ability to identify and isolate different cell types from forensically relevant samples represents an opportunity for both individual identification through DNA profiling and the association of particular cell types to each person detected. This is particularly crucial when target samples contain mixtures of cell types from multiple individuals. For example, in the event of an alleged sexual assault, the identification of specific cell types (e.g., identification of saliva, vaginal, penile, rectal or other epithelial sources) may assist in uncovering what actions have (or have not) occurred during the alleged offence. Mixtures are routinely encountered in forensic casework, yet the ability to separate and identify the cell source remains limited. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for a method that can accurately distinguish cells from different anatomical regions. The ability to distinguish between epithelial cells could have a profound impact on forensic investigations and judicial outcomes.

Flow cytometry, a relatively novel technique in forensic science, has emerged as a potential approach for epithelial cell type identification and isolation. Given that samples collected as part of casework differ from those routinely analysed by flow cytometry, we sought to determine the optimal conditions for analysis/isolation by flow cytometry and subsequent DNA profiling. To develop a methodology for analysis by imaging flow cytometry (IFC), we investigated biological and instrument specific factors that could potentially influence cell morphology. Here we report on our progress towards an optimised and standardised approach for epithelial cell identification and isolation for future implementation in casework.

Authors

Ishana Somers (Flinders University, Australia)
Giles Best (Flinders University Flow Cytometry Facility, Australia)
Duncan Taylor (Forensic Science South Australia, Australia)
Roland van Oorschot (Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia)
Mariya Goray (Flinders University, Australia)

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P303 – Optimising Methods for the Identification and Isolation of Epithelial Cell Types Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

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