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Review
. 2020 Jan;26(1):1-9.
doi: 10.1261/rna.072173.119. Epub 2019 Oct 28.

Potential applications of microRNA profiling to forensic investigations

Claire L Glynn  1
Affiliations
Review

Potential applications of microRNA profiling to forensic investigations

Claire L Glynn. RNA. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

Within the forensic science community, there is a continued push to develop novel tools to aid in criminal investigations. microRNA (miRNA) analysis has been the focus of many researcher's attention in the biomedical field since its discovery in 1993; however, the forensic application of miRNA analysis has only been suggested within the last 10 years and has been gaining considerable traction recently. The primary focus of the forensic application of miRNA analysis has been on body fluid identification to provide confirmatory universal analysis of unknown biological stains obtained from crime scenes or evidence items. There are, however, other forensic applications of miRNA profiling that have shown potential, yet are largely understudied, and warrant further investigation such as organ tissue identification, donor age estimation, and more. This review paper aims to evaluate the current literature and future potential of miRNA analysis within the forensic science field.

Keywords: body fluid identification; forensic investigations; forensic science; microRNA profiling; organ tissue source identification.

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Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Workflow for universal microRNA body fluid identification with simultaneous DNA profiling.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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