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Xu Y, Wang N, Gao S, Li C, Ma P, Yang S, Jiang H, Shi S, Wu Y, Zhang Q, Cui Y. Solving the two-decades-old murder case through joint application of ZooMS and ancient DNA approaches. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:319-327. [PMID: 36625884 PMCID: PMC9902420 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02944-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bones are one of the most common biological types of evidence in forensic cases. Discriminating human bones from irrelevant species is important for the identification of victims; however, the highly degraded bones could be undiagnostic morphologically and difficult to analyze with standard DNA profiling approaches. The same challenge also exists in archaeological studies. Here, we present an initial study of an analytical strategy that involves zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) and ancient DNA methods. Through the combined strategy, we managed to identify the only biological evidence of a two-decades-old murder case - a small piece of human bone out of 19 bone fragments - and confirmed the kinship between the victim and the putative parents through joint application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing methods. ZooMS effectively screened out the target human bone while ancient DNA methods improve the DNA yields. The combined strategy in this case outperforms the standard DNA profiling approach with shorter time, less cost, as well as higher reliability for the genetic identification results. HIGHLIGHTS: • The first application of zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry technique in the forensic case for screening out human bones from bone fragment mixtures. • Application of ancient DNA technique to recover the highly degraded DNA sequence from the challenging sample that failed standard DNA profiling approaches. • A fast, sensitive, and low-cost strategy that combines the strengths of protein analysis and DNA analysis for kinship identification in forensic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Naihui Wang
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Shizhu Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Pengcheng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Shasha Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Criminal Police Detachment, Qingdao Municipal Public Security Bureau, Qingdao, 266034 China
| | - Shoujin Shi
- Criminal Investigation Team, Jimo Branch, Qingdao Municipal Public Security Bureau, Qingdao, 266205 China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 China
| | - Quanchao Zhang
- Bioarchaeology Laboratory, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China ,School of Archaeology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Yinqiu Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China. .,Bioarchaeology Laboratory, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
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2
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Caccia G, Cappella A, Castoldi E, Marino A, Colloca D, Amadasi A, Caccianiga M, Lago G, Cattaneo C. Blood and sperm traces on human hair. A study on preservation and detection after 3-month outdoor exposure. Sci Justice 2021; 61:657-666. [PMID: 34802638 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hair can retain important biological traces for forensic investigations. Forensic scientists are used to looking for such traces on clothing and skin of victims, however, when decomposition kicks in and all that remains of the victims is the skeleton, hair may be the only tissue representing the surface of the body at the time of a crime on which biological traces of an aggressor may have been left and still be detectable. Given the lack of research on this topic, this pilot study aims to assess the capacity of hair to retain semen and blood in hair, and the possibility to detect these fluids with well-known techniques and to obtain a useful genetic profile even when exposed to environmental conditions (Open Natural Environment (woods), Open Man Made Environment (urban)) for three months. Results showed that both traces were always visible and detectable with almost all techniques in the Control Environment, while in the two open environments some difficulties arose. However, biomolecular analysis was effective up to three months on both fluids in the Natural Environment and up to two months and one week respectively on blood and semen in the Man Made Environment. The Combur Test, OBTI, and Luminol were effective on blood up to three months in both environments while Sperm-HY-Liter and observation of cellular components were effective on semen up to at least 1 month and PSA testing was positive up to 1 week in both environments. The present work can be considered an encouraging starting point for the analysis of biological traces on hair in forensic contexts, regardless of the PMI, since blood and semen related to a crime may survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Caccia
- Labanof (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Cappella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la salute, Università degli studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy; U.O. Laboratorio di Morfologia Umana Applicata, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - E Castoldi
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - A Marino
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - D Colloca
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - A Amadasi
- Labanof (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy; Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, University Medical Centre Charité, University of Berlin, Turmstr.21, Building N, 10559, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Caccianiga
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - G Lago
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - C Cattaneo
- Labanof (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
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van Oorschot RAH, Meakin GE, Kokshoorn B, Goray M, Szkuta B. DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111766. [PMID: 34828372 PMCID: PMC8618004 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors that may impact the transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery of DNA (DNA-TPPR), and the availability of data to assign probabilities to DNA quantities and profile types being obtained given particular scenarios and circumstances, is paramount when performing, and giving guidance on, evaluations of DNA findings given activity level propositions (activity level evaluations). In late 2018 and early 2019, three major reviews were published on aspects of DNA-TPPR, with each advocating the need for further research and other actions to support the conduct of DNA-related activity level evaluations. Here, we look at how challenges are being met, primarily by providing a synopsis of DNA-TPPR-related articles published since the conduct of these reviews and briefly exploring some of the actions taken by industry stakeholders towards addressing identified gaps. Much has been carried out in recent years, and efforts continue, to meet the challenges to continually improve the capacity of forensic experts to provide the guidance sought by the judiciary with respect to the transfer of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland A. H. van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Georgina E. Meakin
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Centre for the Forensic Sciences, Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Bas Kokshoorn
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands;
- Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1097 DZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Bianca Szkuta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
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Forensic proteomics. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 54:102529. [PMID: 34139528 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein is a major component of all biological evidence, often the matrix that embeds other biomolecules such as polynucleotides, lipids, carbohydrates, and small molecules. The proteins in a sample reflect the transcriptional and translational program of the originating cell types. Because of this, proteins can be used to identify body fluids and tissues, as well as convey genetic information in the form of single amino acid polymorphisms, the result of non-synonymous SNPs. This review explores the application and potential of forensic proteomics. The historical role that protein analysis played in the development of forensic science is examined. This review details how innovations in proteomic mass spectrometry have addressed many of the historical limitations of forensic protein science, and how the application of forensic proteomics differs from proteomics in the life sciences. Two more developed applications of forensic proteomics are examined in detail: body fluid and tissue identification, and proteomic genotyping. The review then highlights developing areas of proteomics that have the potential to impact forensic science in the near future: fingermark analysis, species identification, peptide toxicology, proteomic sex estimation, and estimation of post-mortem intervals. Finally, the review highlights some of the newer innovations in proteomics that may drive further development of the field. In addition to potential impact, this review also attempts to evaluate the stage of each application in the development, validation and implementation process. This review is targeted at investigators who are interested in learning about proteomics in a forensic context and expanding the amount of information they can extract from biological evidence.
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Kennedy K, Bengiat R, Heaton C, Herman Y, Oz C, Elad ML, Cole L, Francese S. "MALDI-CSI": A proposed method for the tandem detection of human blood and DNA typing from enhanced fingermarks. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 323:110774. [PMID: 33930825 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Profiling and Imaging (MALDI MSP and MALDI MSI), in combination with bottom up proteomics, have proven to successfully detect and map blood-derived peptide signatures in blood fingermarks, with high specificity and compatibility with a number of blood enhancement techniques (BET). In the present study, the application of MALDI MSP and MSI to blood marks has been investigated further. In particular, the MALDI based detection and visualisation of blood has been explored in tandem with DNA typing. This investigation has been undertaken in a scenario simulating blood fingermarks on painted walls. In the present study, two sets of marks were analysed with each set comprising of a depletion series of four marks deposited on a surface treated to simulate painted walls: Set I - developed with Ninhydrin (NIN) and Set II- developed with Acid Black-1 (AB-1). For both sets, the application of MALDI MSP was successful in detecting haem and human specific haemoglobin peptide markers. MALDI MSI also provided molecular images by visualising haem on the ridge pattern enhanced by BET. The feasibility of successful and subsequent DNA profiling from the recovered fingermarks was also assessed for marks that had undergone enzymatic in situ digestion and MALDI MSI; it was observed that in 73% of the samples analysed, a DNA profile suitable for comparison was obtained. Based on these results, a possible operational workflow has been proposed incorporating the use of a MALDI MS based approach as a confirmatory test for human blood enabling subsequent DNA typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Kennedy
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Ravell Bengiat
- Latent Fingerprint Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q., Jerusalem 9780204, Israel
| | - Cameron Heaton
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Yael Herman
- Biology & DNA Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q., Jerusalem 9780204, Israel
| | - Carla Oz
- Biology & DNA Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q., Jerusalem 9780204, Israel
| | - Michal Levin Elad
- Latent Fingerprint Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q., Jerusalem 9780204, Israel
| | - Laura Cole
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Simona Francese
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
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Abstract
Proteomics, the large-scale study of all proteins of an organism or system, is a powerful tool for studying biological systems. It can provide a holistic view of the physiological and biochemical states of given samples through identification and quantification of large numbers of peptides and proteins. In forensic science, proteomics can be used as a confirmatory and orthogonal technique for well-built genomic analyses. Proteomics is highly valuable in cases where nucleic acids are absent or degraded, such as hair and bone samples. It can be used to identify body fluids, ethnic group, gender, individual, and estimate post-mortem interval using bone, muscle, and decomposition fluid samples. Compared to genomic analysis, proteomics can provide a better global picture of a sample. It has been used in forensic science for a wide range of sample types and applications. In this review, we briefly introduce proteomic methods, including sample preparation techniques, data acquisition using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and data analysis using database search, spectral library search, and de novo sequencing. We also summarize recent applications in the past decade of proteomics in forensic science with a special focus on human samples, including hair, bone, body fluids, fingernail, muscle, brain, and fingermark, and address the challenges, considerations, and future developments of forensic proteomics.
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Mass spectrometry-based proteomics for the forensic identification of vomit traces. J Proteomics 2019; 209:103524. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Borja T, Karim N, Goecker Z, Salemi M, Phinney B, Naeem M, Rice R, Parker G. Proteomic genotyping of fingermark donors with genetically variant peptides. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 42:21-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Sterling S, Mason KE, Anex DS, Parker GJ, Hart B, Prinz M. Combined
DNA
Typing and Protein Identification from Unfired Brass Cartridges,,,. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1475-1481. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katelyn E. Mason
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 7000 East Avenue Livermore CA 94550
| | - Deon S. Anex
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 7000 East Avenue Livermore CA 94550
| | | | - Bradley Hart
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 7000 East Avenue Livermore CA 94550
| | - Mechthild Prinz
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice 524 W. 59th St. New York NY 10019
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