Determination of an Effective Housekeeping Gene for the Quantification of mRNA for Forensic Applications

• NCJ Number: 241238
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2012 Pages: 1051-1058
• Author(s): Lilliana I. Moreno, M.A., M.FS.; Courtney M. Tate, Ph.D.; Erika L. Knott, B.S.; Jade E. McDaniel, B.S.; Stephanie S. Rogers, B.S.; Barbara W. Koons, M.S.; Mark F. Kavlick, B.S.; Rhonda L. Craig, M.S.; James M. Robertson, Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2012
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the potential application of mRNA for the identification of biological fluids using molecular techniques has been a recent development in forensic serology.

Abstract

The potential application of mRNA for the identification of biological fluids using molecular techniques has been a recent development in forensic serology. Constitutively expressed housekeeping genes can assess the amount of mRNA recovered from a sample, establish its suitability for downstream applications, and provide a reference point to corroborate the identity of the fluid. qPCR was utilized to compare the expression levels of housekeeping genes from forensic-like body fluid stains to establish the most appropriate assessment of human mRNA quantity prior to profiling. Although variability was observed between fluids and individuals, results indicated that beta-2 microglobulin exhibited the highest expression for all body fluids examined and across donors. A one-way analysis of variance was performed for housekeeping gene variability between donors (at the ax, 0.05, significance level), and the results indicated significant differences for semen, vaginal secretions, and menstrual blood. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.