microRNA Detection in Blood,Urine, Semen,and Saliva Stains After Compromising Treatments |
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| Authors: | Tiffany R. Layne M.S. Raquel A. Green B.S. Carolyn A. Lewis B.S. Francy Nogales B.S. Tracey C. Dawson Cruz Ph.D. Zendra E. Zehner Ph.D. Sarah J. Seashols‐Williams Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284‐3079;2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980614, Richmond, Virginia, 23298‐0614;3. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0093-8261;4. Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284‐3079Corresponding Author: Sarah Seashols‐Williams, Ph.D. E‐mail: |
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| Abstract: | Evaluation of microRNA (miRNA) expression as a potential method for forensic body fluid identification has been the subject of investigation over the past several years. Because of their size and encapsulation within proteins and lipids, miRNAs are inherently less susceptible to degradation than other RNAs. In this work, blood, urine, semen, and saliva were exposed to environmental and chemical conditions mimicking sample compromise at the crime scene. For many treated samples, including 100% of blood samples, miRNAs remained detectable, comparable to the untreated control. Sample degradation varied by body fluid and treatment, with blood remarkably resistant, while semen and saliva are more susceptible to environmental insult. Body fluid identification using relative miRNA expression of blood and semen of the exposed samples was 100% and 94%, respectively. Given the overall robust results herein, the case is strengthened for the use of miRNAs as a molecular method for body fluid identification. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science serology microRNA miRNA body fluid identification blood urine semen saliva compromised samples |
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