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Yuen ZWS, Shanmuganandam S, Stanley M, Jiang S, Hein N, Daniel R, McNevin D, Jack C, Eyras E. Profiling age and body fluid DNA methylation markers using nanopore adaptive sampling. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103048. [PMID: 38640705 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays essential roles in regulating physiological processes, from tissue and organ development to gene expression and aging processes and has emerged as a widely used biomarker for the identification of body fluids and age prediction. Currently, methylation markers are targeted independently at specific CpG sites as part of a multiplexed assay rather than through a unified assay. Methylation detection is also dependent on divergent methodologies, ranging from enzyme digestion and affinity enrichment to bisulfite treatment, alongside various technologies for high-throughput profiling, including microarray and sequencing. In this pilot study, we test the simultaneous identification of age-associated and body fluid-specific methylation markers using a single technology, nanopore adaptive sampling. This innovative approach enables the profiling of multiple CpG marker sites across entire gene regions from a single sample without the need for specialized DNA preparation or additional biochemical treatments. Our study demonstrates that adaptive sampling achieves sufficient coverage in regions of interest to accurately determine the methylation status, shows a robust consistency with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data, and corroborates known CpG markers of age and body fluids. Our work also resulted in the identification of new sites strongly correlated with age, suggesting new possible age methylation markers. This study lays the groundwork for the systematic development of nanopore-based methodologies in both age prediction and body fluid identification, highlighting the feasibility and potential of nanopore adaptive sampling while acknowledging the need for further validation and expansion in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaka Wing-Sze Yuen
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; The Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Somasundhari Shanmuganandam
- Department of Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Centre for Personalised Immunology, NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Maurice Stanley
- Department of Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Centre for Personalised Immunology, NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Simon Jiang
- Department of Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Centre for Personalised Immunology, NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia
| | - Nadine Hein
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics and Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, Australia
| | - Runa Daniel
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dennis McNevin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cameron Jack
- ANU Bioinformatics Consultancy, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; The Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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2
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Bonsu DNO, Higgins D, Simon C, Henry JM, Austin JJ. Metal-DNA interactions: Exploring the impact of metal ions on key stages of forensic DNA analysis. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:779-793. [PMID: 37638716 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Forensic DNA analysis continues to be hampered by the complex interactions between metals and DNA. Metal ions may cause direct DNA damage, inhibit DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification or both. This study evaluated the impact of metal ions on DNA extraction, quantitation, and short tandem repeat profiling using cell-free and cellular (saliva) DNA. Of the 11 metals assessed, brass exhibited the strongest PCR inhibitory effects, for both custom and Quantifiler Trio quantitation assays. Metal ion inhibition varied across the two quantitative PCR assays and the amount of DNA template used. The Quantifiler Trio internal PCR control (IPC) only revealed evidence of PCR inhibition at higher metal ion concentrations, limiting the applicability of IPC as an indicator of the presence of metal inhibitor in a sample. Notably, ferrous ions were found to significantly decrease the extraction efficiency of the DNA-IQ DNA extraction system. The amount of DNA degradation and inhibition in saliva samples caused by metal ions increased with a dilution of the sample, suggesting that the saliva matrix provides protection from metal ion effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Nana Osei Bonsu
- Chemistry and Forensic Science, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Dentistry, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claire Simon
- Forensic Science SA, Attorney-General's Department, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julianne M Henry
- Forensic Science SA, Attorney-General's Department, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy J Austin
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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3
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Liu Z, Yang J, Wang N, Liu J, Geng J, Zhu J, Cong B, Sun H, Wu R. Integrative lncRNA, circRNA, and mRNA analysis reveals expression profiles of six forensic body fluids/tissue. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:731-742. [PMID: 37994925 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03131-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
RNAs have attracted much attention in forensic body fluid/tissue identification (BFID) due to their tissue-specific expression characteristics. Among RNAs, long RNAs (e.g., mRNA) have a higher probability of containing more polymorphic sites that can be used to assign the specific donor of the body fluid/tissue. However, few studies have characterized their overall profiles in forensic science. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptomes of 30 samples from venous blood, menstrual blood, semen, saliva, vaginal secretion, and skin tissue, obtaining a comprehensive picture of mRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA profiles. A total of 90,305 mRNAs, 102,906 lncRNAs (including 19,549 novel lncRNAs), and 40,204 circRNAs were detected. RNA type distribution, length distribution, and expression distribution were presented according to their annotation and expression level, and many novel body fluid/tissue-specific RNA markers were identified. Furthermore, the cognate relations among the three RNAs were analyzed according to gene annotations. Finally, SNPs and InDels from RNA transcripts were genotyped, and 21,611 multi-SNP and 4,471 multi-InDel transcriptomic microhaplotypes (tMHs) were identified. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of transcriptome profiles, which could provide new avenues for tracing the origin of the body fluid/tissue and identifying an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Liu
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiajun Liu
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaojiao Geng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianzhang Zhu
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Bin Cong
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Hongyu Sun
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Riga Wu
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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4
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Zhang J, Yan M, Ji A, Sun Q, Ying W. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of biological stains identifies body fluids specific markers. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 357:112008. [PMID: 38522320 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The identification of biological stains and their tissue resource is an important part of forensic research. Current methods suffer from several limitations including poor sensitivity and specificity, trace samples, and sample destruction. In this study, we profiled the proteomes of menstrual blood, peripheral blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal fluid with mass spectrometry technology. Tissue-enhanced and tissue-specific proteins of each group have been proposed as potential biomarkers. These candidate proteins were further annotated and screened through the combination with the Human Protein Atlas database. Our data not only validates the protein biomarkers reported in previous studies but also identifies novel candidate biomarkers for human body fluids. These candidates lay the foundation for the development of rapid and specific forensic examination methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Anquan Ji
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China
| | - Qifan Sun
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China.
| | - Wantao Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China.
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5
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Smith H, Giulivi C. Starch treatment improves the salivary proteome for subject identification purposes. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:117-128. [PMID: 37084127 PMCID: PMC10944386 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00629-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Identification of subjects, including perpetrators, is one of the most crucial goals of forensic science. Saliva is among the most common biological fluids found at crime scenes, containing identifiable components. DNA has been the most prominent identifier to date, but its analysis can be complex due to low DNA yields and issues preserving its integrity at the crime scene. Proteins are emerging as viable candidates for subject identification. Previous work has shown that the salivary proteome of the least-abundant proteins may be helpful for subject identification, but more optimized techniques are needed. Among them is removing the most abundant proteins, such as salivary α-amylase. Starch treatment of saliva samples elicited the removal of this enzyme and that of glycosylated, low-molecular-weight proteins, proteases, and immunoglobulins, resulting in a saliva proteome profile enriched with a subset of proteins, allowing a more reliable and nuanced subject identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Smith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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6
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Gobena S, Admassu B, Kinde MZ, Gessese AT. Proteomics and Its Current Application in Biomedical Area: Concise Review. ScientificWorldJournal 2024; 2024:4454744. [PMID: 38404932 PMCID: PMC10894052 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4454744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomedical researchers tirelessly seek cutting-edge technologies to advance disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and therapeutic interventions, all aimed at enhancing human and animal well-being. Within this realm, proteomics stands out as a pivotal technology, focusing on extensive studies of protein composition, structure, function, and interactions. Proteomics, with its subdivisions of expression, structural, and functional proteomics, plays a crucial role in unraveling the complexities of biological systems. Various sophisticated techniques are employed in proteomics, including polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry analysis, NMR spectroscopy, protein microarray, X-ray crystallography, and Edman sequencing. These methods collectively contribute to the comprehensive understanding of proteins and their roles in health and disease. In the biomedical field, proteomics finds widespread application in cancer research and diagnosis, stem cell studies, and the diagnosis and research of both infectious and noninfectious diseases. In addition, it plays a pivotal role in drug discovery and the emerging frontier of personalized medicine. The versatility of proteomics allows researchers to delve into the intricacies of molecular mechanisms, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches. As infectious and noninfectious diseases continue to emerge and the field of biomedical research expands, the significance of proteomics becomes increasingly evident. Keeping abreast of the latest developments in proteomics applications becomes paramount for the development of therapeutics, translational research, and study of diverse diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of proteomics, offering a concise outline of its current applications in the biomedical domain. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the understanding and advancement of proteomics, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of biomedical research and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semira Gobena
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bemrew Admassu
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mebrie Zemene Kinde
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Tesfaye Gessese
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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7
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Bruijns B, Tiggelaar R, Knotter J, van Dam A. Use of Lateral Flow Assays in Forensics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6201. [PMID: 37448049 DOI: 10.3390/s23136201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are 'common use' devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid identification. Despite their advantages, including ease-of-use, LFAs are not yet frequently applied at a crime scene. This review describes (academic) developments of LFAs for forensic applications, focusing on biological and chemical applications, whereby the main advantages and disadvantages of LFAs for the different forensic applications are summarized. Additionally, a critical review is provided, discussing why LFAs are not frequently applied within the forensic field and highlighting the steps that are needed to bring LFAs to the forensic market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Bruijns
- Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Police Academy, Arnhemseweg 348, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Roald Tiggelaar
- NanoLab Cleanroom, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Knotter
- Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Police Academy, Arnhemseweg 348, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke van Dam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Forensic Science, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Tafelbergweg 51, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Methodology Research Program, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Gent L, Schwalbe EC, Procopio N. The impact of maceration on the 'Osteo-ome'; a pilot investigation. J Proteomics 2023; 271:104754. [PMID: 36243311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The bone proteome, i.e., the 'osteo-ome', is a rich source of information for forensic studies. There have been advances in the study of biomolecule biomarkers for age-at-death (AAD) and post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations, by looking at changes in protein abundance and post-translational modifications (PTMs) at the peptide level. However, the extent to which other post-mortem factors alter the proteome, including 'maceration' procedures adopted in human taphonomy facilities (HTFs) to clean bones for osteological collections, is poorly understood. This pilot study aimed to characterise the impact of these 'cleaning' methods for de-fleshing skeletons on bone biomolecules, and therefore, what further impact this may have on putative biomarkers in future investigations. Three specific maceration procedures, varying in submersion time (one week or two days) and water temperature (55 °C or 87 °C) were conducted on six bovid tibiae from three individual bovines; the proteome of fresh and macerated bones of each individual was compared. The maceration at 87 °C for two days had the greatest proteomic impact, decreasing protein relative abundances and inducing specific PTMs. Overall, these results suggest that routinely-employed maceration procedures are harsh, variable and potentially threaten the viability of discovering new forensic biomarkers in macerated skeletal remains. SIGNIFICANCE: For the first time, the application of bone proteomics in understanding maceration procedures was conducted to help address the risks for experimental confounding associated with this post-mortem cleaning technique. This pilot study demonstrates that recent advances in biomarker discovery for post-mortem interval and age-at-death estimation using bone proteomics has potential for confounding by differing and destructive bone-cleaning methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gent
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE Preston, UK
| | - Edward C Schwalbe
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Noemi Procopio
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE Preston, UK.
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9
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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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10
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Schneider TD, Roschitzki B, Grossmann J, Kraemer T, Steuer AE. Determination of the Time since Deposition of Blood Traces Utilizing a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Approach. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10695-10704. [PMID: 35856936 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about when a bloodstain was deposited at a crime scene can be of critical value in forensic investigation. A donor of a genetically identified bloodstain could be linked to a suspected time frame and the crime scene itself. Determination of the time since deposition (TsD) has been extensively studied before but has yet to reach maturity. We therefore conducted a proof-of-principle study to study time- and storage-dependent changes of the proteomes of dried blood stains. A bottom-up proteomics approach was employed, and high-resolution liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry (HR-LC-MS) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) were used to analyze samples aged over a 2 month period and two different storage conditions. In multivariate analysis, samples showed distinct clustering according to their TsD in both principal component analysis (PCA) and in partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS DA). The storage condition alters sample aging and yields different separation-driving peptides in hierarchical clustering and in TsD marker peptide selection. Certain peptides and amino acid modifications were identified and further assessed for their applicability in assessing passed TsD. A prediction model based on data resampling (Jackknife) was applied, and prediction values for selected peptide ratios were created. Depending on storage conditions and actual sample age, mean prediction performances ranges in between 70 and 130% for the majority of peptides and time points. This places this study as a first in investigating LC-MS based bottom-up proteomics approaches for TsD determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom D Schneider
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Roschitzki
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Grossmann
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 792 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Unlocking the potential of forensic traces: Analytical approaches to generate investigative leads. Sci Justice 2022; 62:310-326. [PMID: 35598924 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Forensic investigation involves gathering the information necessary to understand the criminal events as well as linking objects or individuals to an item, location or other individual(s) for investigative purposes. For years techniques such as presumptive chemical tests, DNA profiling or fingermark analysis have been of great value to this process. However, these techniques have their limitations, whether it is a lack of confidence in the results obtained due to cross-reactivity, subjectivity and low sensitivity; or because they are dependent on holding reference samples in a pre-existing database. There is currently a need to devise new ways to gather as much information as possible from a single trace, particularly from biological traces commonly encountered in forensic casework. This review outlines the most recent advancements in the forensic analysis of biological fluids, fingermarks and hair. Special emphasis is placed on analytical methods that can expand the information obtained from the trace beyond what is achieved in the usual practices. Special attention is paid to those methods that accurately determine the nature of the sample, as well as how long it has been at the crime scene, along with individualising information regarding the donor source of the trace.
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12
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Davidovics R, Saw YL, Brown CO, Prinz M, McKiernan HE, Danielson PB, Legg KM. High-throughput seminal fluid identification by automated immunoaffinity mass spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1184-1190. [PMID: 35023573 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The identification of semen during a criminal investigation may be a critical component in the prosecution of a sexual assault. Commonly employed enzymatic and affinity-based methods for detection lack specificity, are time-consuming, and only provide a presumptive indication that semen is present where microscopic visualization is unable to meet the throughput demands. Contrary to traditional approaches, protein mass spectrometry provides true confirmatory results, but multiday sample preparation and nanoflow sample separation requirements have limited the practical applicability of these approaches. Aiming at streamlining sexual assault screening by mass spectrometry, the work here coupled a 60-minute rapid tryptic digestion, semenogelin-II peptide affinity purification on an Agilent AssayMap Bravo automation platform, and a 3-minute targeted LC-MS/MS method on an Agilent 6495 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in multiple reaction monitoring mode for detecting semenogelin-II peptides in sexual assault samples. The developed assay was assessed using casework-type samples and was successful in detecting trace levels (0.0001 μl) of semen recovered from both cotton and vaginal swabs, as well as semen recovered from vaginal swabs during menses or adulterated with personal lubricants. This work represents a promising technique for high-throughput seminal fluid identification in sexual assault-type samples by mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Davidovics
- NMS Labs, Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA.,College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yih Ling Saw
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine O Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Denver, Denver, Colordo, USA
| | - Mechthild Prinz
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - Heather E McKiernan
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Phillip B Danielson
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Denver, Denver, Colordo, USA
| | - Kevin M Legg
- College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Sharma S, Chophi R, Jossan JK, Singh R. Detection of bloodstains using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy supported with PCA and PCA-LDA. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2021; 61:292-301. [PMID: 33926284 DOI: 10.1177/00258024211010926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The most important task in a criminal investigation is to detect and identify the recovered biological stains beyond reasonable scientific doubt and preserve the sample for further DNA analysis. In the light of this fact, many presumptive and confirmatory tests are routinely employed in the forensic laboratories to determine the type of body fluid. However, the currently used techniques are specific to one type of body fluid and hence it cannot be utilized to differentiate multiple body fluids. Moreover, these tests consume the samples in due process, and thus it becomes a great limitation especially considering the fact that samples are recovered in minute quantity in forensic cases. Therefore, such limitations necessitate the use of non-destructive techniques that can be applied simultaneously to all types of bodily fluids and allow sample preservation for further analysis. In the current work, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to circumvent the aforementioned limitations. The important factors which could influence the detection of blood such as the effect of substrates, washing/chemical treatment, ageing, and dilution limits on the analysis of blood have been analysed. In addition, blood discrimination from non-blood substance (biological and non-biological in nature) has also been studied. Chemometric technique that is PCA-LDA has been used to discriminate blood from other body fluids and it resulted in 100% accurate classification. Furthermore, blood and non-blood substances including fake blood have also been classified into separate clusters with a 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. All-inclusive, this preliminary study substantiates the potential application of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for the non-destructive identification of blood traces in simulated forensic casework conditions with 0% rate of false classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweety Sharma
- Department of Forensic Science, 29766Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Rito Chophi
- Department of Forensic Science, 29766Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | | | - Rajinder Singh
- Department of Forensic Science, 29766Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
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14
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Njom VS, Winks T, Diallo O, Lowe A, Behnke J, Dickman MJ, Duce I, Johnstone I, Buttle DJ. The effects of plant cysteine proteinases on the nematode cuticle. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:302. [PMID: 34090505 PMCID: PMC8180098 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04800-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-derived cysteine proteinases of the papain family (CPs) attack nematodes by digesting the cuticle, leading to rupture and death of the worm. The nematode cuticle is composed of collagens and cuticlins, but the specific molecular target(s) for the proteinases have yet to be identified. METHODS This study followed the course of nematode cuticle disruption using immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and proteomics, using a free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans and the murine GI nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri (H. polygyrus) as target organisms. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry indicated that DPY-7 collagen is a target for CPs on the cuticle of C. elegans. The time course of loss of DPY-7 from the cuticle allowed us to use it to visualise the process of cuticle disruption. There was a marked difference in the time course of damage to the cuticles of the two species of nematode, with H. bakeri being more rapidly hydrolysed. In general, the CPs' mode of attack on the nematode cuticle was by degrading the structural proteins, leading to loss of integrity of the cuticle, and finally death of the nematode. Proteomic analysis failed conclusively to identify structural targets for CPs, but preliminary data suggested that COL-87 and CUT-19 may be important targets for the CPs, the digestion of which may contribute to cuticle disruption and death of the worm. Cuticle globin was also identified as a cuticular target. The presence of more than one target protein may slow the development of resistance against this new class of anthelmintic. CONCLUSIONS Scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry allowed the process of disruption of the cuticle to be followed with time. Cuticle collagens and cuticlins are molecular targets for plant cysteine proteinases. However, the presence of tyrosine cross-links in nematode cuticle proteins seriously impeded protein identification by proteomic analyses. Multiple cuticle targets exist, probably making resistance to this new anthelmintic slow to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor S Njom
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.,Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, 1660, PMB, Nigeria
| | - Tim Winks
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.,Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK
| | - Oumu Diallo
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.,Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK
| | - Ann Lowe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jerzy Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, ChELSI Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ian Duce
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Iain Johnstone
- Department of Life Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David J Buttle
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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15
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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16
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Chan QWT, Rogalski J, Moon KM, Foster LJ. The application of forensic proteomics to identify an unknown snake venom in a deceased toddler. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 323:110820. [PMID: 33984813 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Proteomics is the global analysis of proteins in a sample, and its methodologies are commonly applied in life science research. Despite its wide applicability however, proteomics is rarely used as a tool in criminal investigations. Here we present a case where the technique provided key evidence in a case that involved the death of a two-year old girl. The defendant was known to keep exotic snakes, including several venomous species, which led the coroner to probe whether there could be snake venom in the blood of the deceased. One major challenge of the investigation was the overwhelming presence of several blood proteins, such as apolipoprotein and complement proteins, which hinders the detection of less abundant analytes. In a counter-acting strategy, a combination of immunodepletion and fractionation methods was used; the sample was then submitted to tandem mass spectrometry for peptide identification. Using this strategy, 15,000 peptides could be sequenced. However, the subsequent challenge was to differentiate between human and snake proteins, given the genetic similarities that are shared by the two vertebrate species. After a thorough bioinformatics search and manual inspection, we found that<1% of the sequenced peptides could be matched unequivocally to snake proteins, including a well-known venom component, phospholipase A2. This evidence, in part, led to a court-issued search warrant of the defendant's home, followed by his arrest and an eventual guilty plea with formal sentencing to 18 months in prison. The work outlined here is an example of how proteomics technology can help to expand the toolkit for molecular forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queenie W T Chan
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2185 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jason Rogalski
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2185 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kyung-Mee Moon
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2185 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2185 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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17
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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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18
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Biological Applications for LC-MS-Based Proteomics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1336:17-29. [PMID: 34628625 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77252-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Since its inception, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been continuously improved upon in many aspects, including instrument capabilities, sensitivity, and resolution. Moreover, the costs to purchase and operate mass spectrometers and liquid chromatography systems have decreased, thus increasing affordability and availability in sectors outside of academic and industrial research. Processing power has also grown immensely, cutting the time required to analyze samples, allowing more data to be feasibly processed, and allowing for standardized processing pipelines. As a result, proteomics via LC-MS has become popular in many areas of biological sciences, forging an important seat for itself in targeted and untargeted assays, pure and applied science, the laboratory, and the clinic. In this chapter, many of these applications of LC-MS-based proteomics and an outline of how they can be executed will be covered. Since the field of personalized medicine has matured alongside proteomics, it has also come to rely on various mass spectrometry methods and will be elaborated upon as well. As time goes on and mass spectrometry evolves, there is no doubt that its presence in these areas, and others, will only continue to grow.
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19
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Salzmann AP, Bamberg M, Courts C, Dørum G, Gosch A, Hadrys T, Hadzic G, Neis M, Schneider PM, Sijen T, den Berge MV, Wiegand P, Haas C. mRNA profiling of mock casework samples: Results of a FoRNAP collaborative exercise. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 50:102409. [PMID: 33220528 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, forensic mRNA profiling has increasingly been used to identify the origin of human body fluids. By now, several laboratories have implemented mRNA profiling and also use it in criminal casework. In 2018 the FoRNAP (Forensic RNA Profiling) group was established among a number of these laboratories with the aim of sharing experiences, discussing optimization potential, identifying challenges and suggesting solutions with regards to mRNA profiling and casework. To compare mRNA profiling methods and results a collaborative exercise was organized within the FoRNAP group. Seven laboratories from four countries received 16 stains, comprising six pure body fluid / tissue stains and ten mock casework samples. The laboratories were asked to analyze the provided stains with their in-house method (PCR/CE or MPS) and markers of choice. Five laboratories used a DNA/RNA co-extraction strategy. Overall, up to 11 mRNA markers per body fluid were analyzed. We found that mRNA profiling using different extraction and analysis methods as well as different multiplexes can be applied to casework-like samples. In general, high input samples were typed with high accuracy by all laboratories, regardless of the method used. Irrespective of the analysis strategy, samples of low input or mixed stains were more challenging to analyze and interpret since, alike to DNA profiling, a higher number of markers dropped out and/or additional unexpected markers not consistent with the cell type in question were detected. It could be shown that a plethora of different but valid analysis and interpretation strategies exist and are successfully applied in the Forensic Genetics community. Nevertheless, efforts aiming at optimizing and harmonizing interpretation approaches in order to achieve a higher consistency between laboratories might be desirable in the future. The simultaneous extraction of DNA alongside RNA showed to be an effective approach to identify not only the body fluid present but also to identify the donor(s) of the stain. This allows investigators to gain valuable information about the origin of crime scene samples and the course of events in a crime case.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malte Bamberg
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelius Courts
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Guro Dørum
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annica Gosch
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thorsten Hadrys
- Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Maximilian Neis
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter M Schneider
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Titia Sijen
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Wiegand
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Cordula Haas
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Kennedy K, Heaton C, Langenburg G, Cole L, Clark T, Clench MR, Sears V, Sealey M, McColm R, Francese S. Pre-validation of a MALDI MS proteomics-based method for the reliable detection of blood and blood provenance. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17087. [PMID: 33051553 PMCID: PMC7555906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The reliable identification of blood, as well as the determination of its origin (human or animal) is of great importance in a forensic investigation. Whilst presumptive tests are rapid and deployed in situ, their very nature requires confirmatory tests to be performed remotely. However, only serological tests can determine blood provenance. The present study improves on a previously devised Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS)—proteomics based method for the reliable detection of blood by enabling the determination of blood provenance. The overall protocol was developed to be more specific than presumptive tests and faster/easier than the gold standard liquid chromatography (LC) MS/MS analysis. This is considered a pre-validation study that has investigated stains and fingermarks made in blood, other biofluids and substances that can elicit a false-positive response to colorimetric or presumptive tests, in a blind fashion. Stains and marks were either untreated or enhanced with a range of presumptive tests. Human and animal blood were correctly discriminated from other biofluids and non-biofluid related matrices; animal species determination was also possible within the system investigated. The procedure is compatible with the prior application of presumptive tests. The refined strategy resulting from iterative improvements through a trial and error study of 56 samples was applied to a final set of 13 blind samples. This final study yielded 12/13 correct identifications with the 13th sample being correctly identified as animal blood but with no species attribution. This body of work will contribute towards the validation of MALDI MS based methods and deployment in violent crimes involving bloodshed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Kennedy
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cameron Heaton
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Laura Cole
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tom Clark
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Malcolm R Clench
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Vaughn Sears
- Former Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), Home Office, St Albans, UK
| | - Mark Sealey
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Richard McColm
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Simona Francese
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
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21
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22
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Semi quantitative detection of signature peptides in body fluids by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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23
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Abstract
Forensic science is a branch that deals with a wide plethora of areas such as anthropology, migration studies and criminology. Various biological samples have been utilized to assist a scientist towards getting answers to the myriad of questions in the field. Saliva is an easily available source from victim as well as aggressors, parent-child and siblings. Various tests have been devised to aid in identifying salivary sample constituents. This paper deals with the wide utility of saliva as a forensic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailja Chatterjee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MMCDSR, M. M. University, Ambala, Haryana, India
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24
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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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25
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Gauthier QT, Cho S, Carmel JH, McCord BR. Development of a body fluid identification multiplex via DNA methylation analysis. Electrophoresis 2019; 40:2565-2574. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin T. Gauthier
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFlorida International University Miami FL USA
| | - Sohee Cho
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFlorida International University Miami FL USA
- Institute of Forensic ScienceSeoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Justin H. Carmel
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFlorida International University Miami FL USA
| | - Bruce R. McCord
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFlorida International University Miami FL USA
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26
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Dobay A, Haas C, Fucile G, Downey N, Morrison HG, Kratzer A, Arora N. Microbiome-based body fluid identification of samples exposed to indoor conditions. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 40:105-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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27
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Applications and challenges of forensic proteomics. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297:350-363. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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28
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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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29
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Blackman S, Stafford-Allen B, Hanson EK, Panasiuk M, Brooker AL, Rendell P, Ballantyne J, Wells S. Developmental validation of the ParaDNA® Body Fluid ID System—A rapid multiplex mRNA-profiling system for the forensic identification of body fluids. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 37:151-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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30
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Identification and detection of protein markers to differentiate between forensically relevant body fluids. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:196-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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31
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Jarman KH, Heller NC, Jenson SC, Hutchison JR, Kaiser BLD, Payne SH, Wunschel DS, Merkley ED. Proteomics Goes to Court: A Statistical Foundation for Forensic Toxin/Organism Identification Using Bottom-Up Proteomics. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3075-3085. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin H. Jarman
- Applied Statistics and Computational Modeling Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Natalie C. Heller
- Applied Statistics and Computational Modeling Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Sarah C. Jenson
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Janine R. Hutchison
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Brooke L. Deatherage Kaiser
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Samuel H. Payne
- Biological Sciences Division, Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - David S. Wunschel
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Eric D. Merkley
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
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A complementary forensic ‘proteo-genomic’ approach for the direct identification of biological fluid traces under fingernails. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:6165-6175. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Pieri M, Lombardi A, Basilicata P, Mamone G, Picariello G. Proteomics in Forensic Sciences: Identification of the Nature of the Last Meal at Autopsy. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:2412-2420. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate − Sezione di Medicina Legale. University of Naples “Federico II”, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Pascale Basilicata
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate − Sezione di Medicina Legale. University of Naples “Federico II”, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Mamone
- Istituto di Scienze dell’Alimentazione − Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Roma 64, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Gianluca Picariello
- Istituto di Scienze dell’Alimentazione − Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Roma 64, 83100 Avellino, Italy
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34
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Moini M. Applications of liquid-based separation in conjunction with mass spectrometry to the analysis of forensic evidence. Electrophoresis 2018. [PMID: 29529344 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the past few years, there has been a significant effort by the forensic science community to develop new scientific techniques for the analysis of forensic evidence. Forensic chemists have been spearheaded to develop information-rich confirmatory technologies and techniques and apply them to a broad array of forensic challenges. The purpose of these confirmatory techniques is to provide alternatives to presumptive techniques that rely on data such as color changes, pattern matching, or retention time alone, which are prone to more false positives. To this end, the application of separation techniques in conjunction with mass spectrometry has played an important role in the analysis of forensic evidence. Moreover, in the past few years the role of liquid separation techniques, such as liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with mass spectrometry, has gained significant tractions and have been applied to a wide range of chemicals, from small molecules such as drugs and explosives, to large molecules such as proteins. For example, proteomics and peptidomics have been used for identification of humans, organs, and bodily fluids. A wide range of HPLC techniques including reversed phase, hydrophilic interaction, mixed-mode, supercritical fluid, multidimensional chromatography, and nanoLC, as well as several modes of capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry, including capillary zone electrophoresis, partial filling, full filling, and micellar electrokenetic chromatography have been applied to the analysis drugs, explosives, and questioned documents. In this article, we review recent (2015-2017) applications of liquid separation in conjunction with mass spectrometry to the analysis of forensic evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moini
- Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
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Illiano A, Arpino V, Pinto G, Berti A, Verdoliva V, Peluso G, Pucci P, Amoresano A. Multiple Reaction Monitoring Tandem Mass Spectrometry Approach for the Identification of Biological Fluids at Crime Scene Investigations. Anal Chem 2018; 90:5627-5636. [PMID: 29579379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the nature of biofluids at a crime scene is just as important as DNA test to link the nature of the biofluid, the criminal act, and the dynamics of the crime. Identification of methods currently used for each biological fluid (blood, semen, saliva, urine) suffer from several limitations including instability of assayed biomolecules, and low selectivity and specificity; as an example of the latter issue, it is not possible to discriminate between alpha-amylase 1 (present in saliva) and alpha-amylase 2 (present in semen and vaginal secretion. In this context, the aim of the work has been to provide a predictive protein signature characteristic of each biofluid by the recognition of specific peptides unique for each protein in a single analysis. A panel of four protein biomarkers for blood, four for saliva, five for semen, and two for urine has been monitored has been monitored by using a single multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based method targeting concomitantly 46 different peptides. Then, The optimized method allows four biological matrices to be identified when present on their own or in 50:50 mixture with another biofluid. Finally, a valid strategy combining both DNA analysis and liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MS-MRM) identification of biofluids on the same sample has been demonstrated to be particularly effective in forensic investigation of real trace evidence collected at a crime scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Illiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli 80126 , Italy
| | - Valentina Arpino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli 80126 , Italy
| | - Gabriella Pinto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli 80126 , Italy
| | - Andrea Berti
- Carabinieri , Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche (R.I.S.) di Roma , Viale di Tor di Quinto n. 151 , Roma 00191 , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Verdoliva
- Carabinieri , Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche (R.I.S.) di Roma , Viale di Tor di Quinto n. 151 , Roma 00191 , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Peluso
- Carabinieri , Sezione Investigazioni Scientifiche (S.I.S.) di Napoli , Corso Vittorio Emanuele n. 728 , Napoli 80122 , Italy
| | - Piero Pucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli 80126 , Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli 80126 , Italy
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36
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Hanson E, Ballantyne J. Human Organ Tissue Identification by Targeted RNA Deep Sequencing to Aid the Investigation of Traumatic Injury. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8110319. [PMID: 29125589 PMCID: PMC5704232 DOI: 10.3390/genes8110319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular analysis of the RNA transcriptome from a putative tissue fragment should permit the assignment of its source to a specific organ, since each will exhibit a unique pattern of gene expression. Determination of the organ source of tissues from crime scenes may aid in shootings and other investigations. We have developed a prototype massively parallel sequencing (MPS) mRNA profiling assay for organ tissue identification that is designed to definitively identify 10 organ/tissue types using a targeted panel of 46 mRNA biomarkers. The identifiable organs and tissues include brain, lung, liver, heart, kidney, intestine, stomach, skeletal muscle, adipose, and trachea. The biomarkers were chosen after iterative specificity testing of numerous candidate genes in various tissue types. The assay is very specific, with little cross-reactivity with non-targeted tissue, and can detect RNA mixtures from different tissues. We also demonstrate the ability of the assay to successful identify the tissue source of origin using a single blind study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hanson
- National Center for Forensic Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Jack Ballantyne
- National Center for Forensic Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
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Kulstein G, Wiegand P. Comprehensive examination of conventional and innovative body fluid identification approaches and DNA profiling of laundered blood- and saliva-stained pieces of cloths. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:67-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1691-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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38
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Legg KM, Powell R, Reisdorph N, Reisdorph R, Danielson PB. Verification of protein biomarker specificity for the identification of biological stains by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Electrophoresis 2017; 38:833-845. [PMID: 27943336 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Advances in proteomics technology over the past decade offer forensic serologists a greatly improved opportunity to accurately characterize the tissue source from which a DNA profile has been developed. Such information can provide critical context to evidence and can help to prioritize downstream DNA analyses. Previous proteome studies compiled panels of "candidate biomarkers" specific to each of five body fluids (i.e., peripheral blood, vaginal/menstrual fluid, seminal fluid, urine, and saliva). Here, a multiplex quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry assay has been developed in order to verify the tissue/body fluid specificity the 23 protein biomarkers that comprise these panels and the consistency with which they can be detected across a sample population of 50 humans. Single-source samples of these human body fluids were accurately identified by the detection of one or more high-specificity biomarkers. Recovery of body fluid samples from a variety of substrates did not impede accurate characterization and, of the potential inhibitors assayed, only chewing tobacco juice appeared to preclude the identification of a target body fluid. Using a series of 2-component mixtures of human body fluids, the multiplex assay accurately identified both components in a single-pass. Only in the case of saliva and peripheral blood did matrix effects appear to impede the detection of salivary proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Legg
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA.,The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Willow Grove, PA, USA
| | - Roger Powell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nichole Reisdorph
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rick Reisdorph
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Phillip B Danielson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA.,The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Willow Grove, PA, USA
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Smits K, Nelis H, Van Steendam K, Govaere J, Roels K, Ververs C, Leemans B, Wydooghe E, Deforce D, Van Soom A. Proteome of equine oviducal fluid: effects of ovulation and pregnancy. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1085-1095. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The equine oviduct plays a pivotal role in providing the optimal microenvironment for early embryonic development, but little is known about the protein composition of the oviducal fluid in the horse. The aim of the present study was to provide a large-scale identification of proteins in equine oviducal fluid and to determine the effects of ovulation and pregnancy. Four days after ovulation, the oviducts ipsilateral and contralateral to the ovulation side were collected from five pregnant and five non-pregnant mares. Identification and relative quantification of proteins in the oviducal fluid of the four groups was achieved by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labelling and HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of an embryo in the ipsilateral oviducal fluid of pregnant mares induced upregulation of 11 and downregulation of two proteins compared with the contralateral side, and upregulation of 19 proteins compared with the ipsilateral side of non-pregnant mares. Several of these upregulated proteins are related to early pregnancy in other species. The present study represents the first high-throughput identification of proteins in the oviducal fluid of the mare. The results support the hypothesis that the equine embryo interacts with the oviduct, affecting the maternal secretion pattern of proteins involved in pregnancy-related pathways.
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40
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Gregório I, Zapata F, García-Ruiz C. Analysis of human bodily fluids on superabsorbent pads by ATR-FTIR. Talanta 2016; 162:634-640. [PMID: 27837882 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Superabsorbent pads are composed of different layers with different grades of absorbent capacity, being the lower one the most absorbent layer. Due to their complexity, the analysis of bodily fluids on superabsorbent pads is certainly difficult. In this study, semen, vaginal fluid and urine stains placed on superabsorbent pads including sanitary napkins, panty-liners and diapers were non-destructively detected by Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In spite of the higher absorbent capacity of the lower layers, this technique was able to detect the three fluids on the upper layer of all pads, showing that bodily fluids are distributed within all layers. Additionally, mixtures of these bodily fluids prepared on superabsorbent pads and cotton were studied, since real forensic investigations involving sexual abuse cases usually deal with mixtures of these fluids. Due to their IR marked protein region (1800-1480cm-1), semen and vaginal fluid were easily distinguished from urine. However, since semen and vaginal fluid have both a high protein composition, that region of their IR signatures were quite similar, except for slight visual differences, that should be further analysed. Therefore, we propose ATR-FTIR as a suitable, presumptive, non-destructive and rapid approach to detect stains of human bodily fluids on the upper layer of superabsorbent pads from sexual crimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Gregório
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP), University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Zapata
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP), University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP), University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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41
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Seashols-Williams S, Lewis C, Calloway C, Peace N, Harrison A, Hayes-Nash C, Fleming S, Wu Q, Zehner ZE. High-throughput miRNA sequencing and identification of biomarkers for forensically relevant biological fluids. Electrophoresis 2016; 37:2780-2788. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolyn Lewis
- Department of Forensic Science; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Chelsea Calloway
- Department of Forensic Science; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Nerissa Peace
- Department of Forensic Science; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Ariana Harrison
- Department of Forensic Science; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Christina Hayes-Nash
- Department of Forensic Science; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Samantha Fleming
- Department of Forensic Science; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Qianni Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
| | - Zendra E. Zehner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond VA USA
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42
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Biohistorical materials and contemporary privacy concerns-the forensic case of King Albert I. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 24:202-210. [PMID: 27470949 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The rapid advancement of technology in genomic analysis increasingly allows researchers to study human biohistorical materials. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the privacy of the donor's living relatives and the negative impact they might experience from the (public) availability of genetic results, even in cases of scientific, forensic or historical relevance. This issue has become clear during a cold case investigation of a relic attributed to Belgian King and World War I-hero Albert I who died, according to the official version, in a solo climbing accident in 1934. Authentication of the relic with blood stains assigned to the King and collected on the place where his body was discovered is recognised as one of the final opportunities to test the plausibility of various conspiracy theories on the King's demise. While the historical value and current technological developments allow the genomic analysis of this relic, publication of genetic data would immediately lead to privacy concerns for living descendants and relatives of the King, including the Belgian and British royal families, even after more than 80 years. Therefore, the authentication study of the relic of King Albert I has been a difficult exercise towards balancing public research interests and privacy interests. The identification of the relic was realised by using a strict genetic genealogical approach including Y-chromosome and mitochondrial genome comparison with living relatives, thereby limiting the analysis to genomic regions relevant for identification. The genetic results combined with all available historical elements concerning the relic, provide strong evidence that King Albert I was indeed the donor of the blood stains, which is in line with the official climbing accident hypothesis and contradicts widespread 'mise-en-scène' scenarios. Since publication of the haploid data of the blood stains has the potential to violate the privacy of living relatives, we opted for external and independent reviewing of (the quality of) our data and statistical interpretation by external forensic experts in haploid markers to guarantee the objectivity and scientific accuracy of the identification data analysis as well as the privacy of living descendants and relatives. Although the cold case investigation provided relevant insights into the circumstances surrounding the death of King Albert I, it also revealed the insufficient ethical guidance for current genomic studies of biohistorical material.
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Abstract
Animal sexual abuse (ASA) involves harm inflicted on animals for the purposes of human sexual gratification and includes such terms as bestiality, zoophilia, zoosadism, animal sexual assault, and others. The prevalence of ASA is not known, although it may be more common than is currently perceived. Veterinarians have the skills required to identify and document cases of ASA. This article reviews the terminology, legal definitions and forms of ASA, and its social and psychological context. An investigative approach is outlined, including an alternate light source examination; collection of swabs for DNA analysis; sampling vaginal washes, rectal washes, and toenails for trace evidence and biologic analyses; radiographic studies; and a complete forensic necropsy, including histopathology. Gross lesions identified in ASA victims include injuries to the anus, rectum, penis, scrotum, nipples, and vagina; the presence of foreign bodies; and abrasions, bruising, and other evidence of nonaccidental injury. Specialized procedures, including examination using alternate light sources and screening tests to identify human seminal fluid within samples from ASA victims, are of potential value but have not been validated for use in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. W. Stern
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - M. Smith-Blackmore
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
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44
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Bai P, Wang J, Yin H, Tian Y, Yao W, Gao J. Discrimination of Human and Nonhuman Blood by Raman Spectroscopy and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis. ANAL LETT 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2016.1176033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pengli Bai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Optics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Huancai Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Optics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yubing Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Optics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenming Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Optics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Optics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
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45
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Lin M, Li W, Wang Y, Yang X, Wang K, Wang Q, Wang P, Chang Y, Tan Y. Discrimination of hemoglobins with subtle differences using an aptamer based sensing array. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 51:8304-6. [PMID: 25876962 DOI: 10.1039/c5cc00929d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Discrimination of hemoglobins with subtle differences was achieved using an aptamer based sensing array. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed that the sensing array can discriminate human hemoglobins from hemoglobins of different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
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46
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Dammeier S, Nahnsen S, Veit J, Wehner F, Ueffing M, Kohlbacher O. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Reveals Organ-Specific Expression Patterns To Be Used as Forensic Evidence. J Proteome Res 2015; 15:182-92. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Dammeier
- Institute
for Ophthalmic Research, Medical Proteome Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Naegelestrasse 5, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sven Nahnsen
- Quantitative
Biology Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Auf der
Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Veit
- Center
for Bioinformatics and Department of Computer Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Frank Wehner
- Institute
for Forensic Medicine, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Naegelestrasse
5, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute
for Ophthalmic Research, Medical Proteome Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Naegelestrasse 5, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kohlbacher
- Quantitative
Biology Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Auf der
Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Center
for Bioinformatics and Department of Computer Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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47
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Stern AW, Lanka S. Evaluation of Human Semenogelin Membrane Strip Test for Species Cross-reactivity in Dogs. Vet Pathol 2015; 53:1095-8. [PMID: 26574559 DOI: 10.1177/0300985815614976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Semenogelins are proteins originating in the seminal vesicle and are useful markers for the presumptive identification of human semen. Detection of semenogelin can be done with a commercially available membrane test. In this study, a commercially available membrane test for human semenogelin proteins was used to assess for cross-reactivity in dog bodily fluids to allow for the potential utilization for detection of human semen in dog bodily fluids. The authors analyzed canine semen and other bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, vaginal secretions, fecal material, and blood. They also examined the distribution of human semenogelin I transcripts in the canine testis, prostate, and several bodily fluids by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. No cross-reactivity was observed in the canine bodily fluids tested except for a single rectal swab, which was negative on a second test. Further testing should be done to validate the use of this kit for screening samples from dogs suspected to have been victims of sexual abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Stern
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - S Lanka
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
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48
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Iadarola P, Fumagalli M, Bardoni AM, Salvini R, Viglio S. Recent applications of CE- and HPLC-MS in the analysis of human fluids. Electrophoresis 2015; 37:212-30. [PMID: 26426542 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201500272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The present review intends to cover the literature on the use of CE-/LC-MS for the analysis of human fluids, from 2010 until present. It has been planned to provide an overview of the most recent practical applications of these techniques to less extensively used human body fluids, including, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, synovial fluid, nipple aspirate, tear fluid, breast fluid, amniotic fluid, and cerumen. Potential pitfalls related to fluid collection and sample preparation, with particular attention to sample clean-up procedures, and methods of analysis, from the research laboratory to a clinical setting will also be addressed. While being apparent that proteomics/metabolomics represent the most prominent approaches for global identification/quantification of putative biomarkers for a variety of human diseases, evidence is also provided of the suitability of these sophisticated techniques for the detection of heterogeneous components carried by these fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Iadarola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "L. Spallanzani,", Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "L. Spallanzani,", Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bardoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Salvini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Viglio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
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49
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Molecular approaches for forensic cell type identification: On mRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation and microbial markers. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 18:21-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Revised: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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50
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Identification and evaluation of potential forensic marker proteins in vaginal fluid by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:7135-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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