Independent validation of body fluid-specific CpG markers and construction of a robust multiplex assay. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holtkötter, Hannah; Beyer, Vanessa; Schwender, Kristina; Glaub, Alina; Johann, Kristina Schulze; Schürenkamp, Marianne; Sibbing, Ursula; Banken, Sabrina; Wiegand, Peter; Pfeiffer, Heidi; Dennany, Lynn; Vennemann, Marielle; Vennemann, Marielle
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 29(2017)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Body fluids -- Epigenetic markers -- DNA methylation -- Multiplex; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Génétique légale -- Périodiques; Forensic genetics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2017.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1872-4973

Abstract

Highlights: A set of only four highly tissue specific tDMR markers is sufficient for reliable and robust body fluid identification. A multiplex assay was developed for simultaneous detection of these fluids. The multiplex assay can be applied to single source fluids as well as mixtures. The components of mock crime scene stains were successfully identified. Abstract: Potential forensic use of tissue-specific DNA methylation markers has recently been discussed for the identification of the biological source of a stain. In this study 13 promising markers were evaluated to identify suitable candidate markers for the development of a robust and reliable multiplex assay. The results of this study suggest that a combination of only four highly informative markers will be enough for clear body fluid identification. A multiplex assay was developed for the identification of menstrual blood, saliva, semen, and venous blood. This assay was successfully applied to the identification of these body fluids in mixtures and crime scene stains. The multiplex assay aids in the identification of not only single source body fluids but also of body fluid mixtures. The main advantage of using DNA methylation assays over alternative tests is that it can be applied at a later time point in the investigative process since testing is possible even after DNA analysis.