1
|
Oliveira M, Azevedo L, Ballard D, Branicki W, Amorim A. Using plants in forensics: State-of-the-art and prospects. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 336:111860. [PMID: 37683985 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plant evidence in forensic investigations gave rise to a powerful new discipline - Forensic Botany - that analyses micro- or macroscopic plant materials, such as the totality or fragments of an organ (i.e., leaves, stems, seeds, fruits, roots) and tissue (i.e., pollen grains, spores, fibers, cork) or its chemical composition (i. e., secondary metabolites, isotopes, DNA, starch grains). Forensic botanists frequently use microscopy, chemical analysis, and botanical expertise to identify and interpret evidence crucial to solving civil and criminal issues, collaborating in enforcing laws or regulations, and ensuring public health safeguards. The present work comprehensively examines the current state and future potential of Forensic Botany. The first section conveys the critical steps of plant evidence collection, documentation, and preservation, emphasizing the importance of these initial steps in maintaining the integrity of the items. It explores the different molecular analyses, covering the identification of plant species and varieties or cultivars, and discusses the limitations and challenges of these techniques in forensics. The subsequent section covers the diversity of Forensic Botany approaches, examining how plant evidence exposes food and pharmaceutical frauds, uncovers insufficient or erroneous labeling, traces illegal drug trafficking routes, and combats the illegal collection or trade of protected species and derivatives. National and global security issues, including the implications of biological warfare, bioterrorism, and biocrime are addressed, and a review of the contributions of plant evidence in crime scene investigations is provided, synthesizing a comprehensive overview of the diverse facets of Forensic Botany.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Azevedo
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - David Ballard
- King's Forensics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
| | - Antonio Amorim
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kikkawa HS, Sato MP, Matsuo A, Sasaki T, Suyama Y, Tsuge K. Discrimination of Camellia cultivars using iD-NA analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17674. [PMID: 37848466 PMCID: PMC10582245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44404-z] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, many new cultivars have been taken abroad illegally, which is now considered an international issue. Botanical evidence found at a crime scene provides valuable information about the origin of the sample. However, botanical resources for forensic evidence remain underutilized because molecular markers, such as microsatellites, are not available without a limited set of species. Multiplexed intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq) and its analysis method, identification of not applicable (iD-NA), have been used to determine several genome-wide genetic markers, making them applicable to all plant species, including those with limited available genetic information. Camellia cultivars are popular worldwide and are often planted in many gardens and bred to make new cultivars. In this study, we aimed to analyze Camellia cultivars/species through MIG-seq. MIG-seq could discriminate similar samples, such as bud mutants and closely related samples that could not be distinguished based on morphological features. This discrimination was consistent with that of a previous study that classified cultivars based on short tandem repeat (STR) markers, indicating that MIG-seq has the same or higher discrimination ability as STR markers. Furthermore, we observed unknown phylogenetic relationships. Because MIG-seq can be applied to unlimited species and low-quality DNA, it may be useful in various scientific fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi S Kikkawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan.
| | - Mitsuhiko P Sato
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusakamatari, Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuo
- Kawatabi Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-Onsen, Osaki, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
| | - Takanori Sasaki
- Kawatabi Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-Onsen, Osaki, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Suyama
- Kawatabi Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-Onsen, Osaki, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
| | - Kouichiro Tsuge
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abdollah S, Reza ZH, Abbas AS, Jafar A. Investigating DNA barcodes of plants growing in some areas of Iran with high crime rate: Quercus brantii, Curpressus arizonica, Crataegus pentagyna, Ziziphus Spina-chtista, and Buxus hyrcana. Sci Justice 2023; 63:624-634. [PMID: 37718009 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
According to criminal botany, the offender unknowingly carries plant samples from the crime scene. Therefore, studying the genetic data of plants native to the crime scene can solve many ambiguities in the criminal files. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate the genome of 5 endemic plants in some areas of Iran with high crime rate. Quercus brantii, Curpressus arizonica, Crataegus pentagyna, Ziziphus Spina-chtista, and Buxus hyrcana were assessed using 1 genetic fragment on plastid regions (trnH-psbA) as well as 1 gene on nuclear chromosome called ITS. The alignment of DNA sequences of trnH-psbA and ITS genes was done using BioEdit, Clustal X, and Muscle v4.0 software programs. The phylogenetic analysis was performed on aligned data using Maximum Parsimony (MP) and the Bayesian methods. The Splits Tree v.4.14.4 software program was used for phylogenetic network analysis. Finally, the data combinability test was conducted using the Incongruence Length Difference (ILD) test by PAUP* software program. All data from nrDNA ITS and trnH-psbA sequences were consistent with Information Compatibility Test (ICT) results. Moreover, the nrDNA ITS indicated more resolved relationship than trnH-psbA. The results from MP and Bayesian analyses did not differ significantly between singular and combined forms, except for a slight variance in confidence interval of branches. As the phylogenetic trees provide more thorough and deeper conception of species relations, it is hoped that they would be useful to illuminate some forensic gaps in regions with high crime rates enriched by these plants, not only in Iran, but also in all areas over the world with this vegetation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajadian Abdollah
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zamanizadeh Hamid Reza
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Sciences and Food Industries, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Iran.
| | - Akhavan Sepahi Abbas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran Iran
| | - Amani Jafar
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maldonado-Alconada AM, Castillejo MÁ, Rey MD, Labella-Ortega M, Tienda-Parrilla M, Hernández-Lao T, Honrubia-Gómez I, Ramírez-García J, Guerrero-Sanchez VM, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Navarro-Cerrillo RM, Jorrin-Novo JV. Multiomics Molecular Research into the Recalcitrant and Orphan Quercus ilex Tree Species: Why, What for, and How. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9980. [PMID: 36077370 PMCID: PMC9456323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) is the dominant tree species of the Mediterranean forest and the Spanish agrosilvopastoral ecosystem, "dehesa." It has been, since the prehistoric period, an important part of the Iberian population from a social, cultural, and religious point of view, providing an ample variety of goods and services, and forming the basis of the economy in rural areas. Currently, there is renewed interest in its use for dietary diversification and sustainable food production. It is part of cultural richness, both economically (tangible) and environmentally (intangible), and must be preserved for future generations. However, a worrisome degradation of the species and associated ecosystems is occurring, observed in an increase in tree decline and mortality, which requires urgent action. Breeding programs based on the selection of elite genotypes by molecular markers is the only plausible biotechnological approach. To this end, the authors' group started, in 2004, a research line aimed at characterizing the molecular biology of Q. ilex. It has been a challenging task due to its biological characteristics (long life cycle, allogamous, high phenotypic variability) and recalcitrant nature. The biology of this species has been characterized following the central dogma of molecular biology using the omics cascade. Molecular responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as seed maturation and germination, are the two main objectives of our research. The contributions of the group to the knowledge of the species at the level of DNA-based markers, genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are discussed here. Moreover, data are compared with those reported for Quercus spp. All omics data generated, and the genome of Q. ilex available, will be integrated with morphological and physiological data in the systems biology direction. Thus, we will propose possible molecular markers related to resilient and productive genotypes to be used in reforestation programs. In addition, possible markers related to the nutritional value of acorn and derivate products, as well as bioactive compounds (peptides and phenolics) and allergens, will be suggested. Subsequently, the selected molecular markers will be validated by both genome-wide association and functional genomic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Maldonado-Alconada
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Castillejo
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - María-Dolores Rey
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Mónica Labella-Ortega
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Marta Tienda-Parrilla
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Tamara Hernández-Lao
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Irene Honrubia-Gómez
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Ramírez-García
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Víctor M. Guerrero-Sanchez
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
- Plant Physiology, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, 33006 Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis Valledor
- Plant Physiology, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, 33006 Asturias, Spain
| | - Rafael M. Navarro-Cerrillo
- Evaluation and Restoration of Agronomic and Forest Systems ERSAF, Department of Forest Engineering, University of Córdoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jesús V. Jorrin-Novo
- Agroforestry and Plant Biochemistry, Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, UCO-CeiA3, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ishak S, Dormontt E, Young JM. Microbiomes in forensic botany: a review. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:297-307. [PMID: 33830453 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fragments of botanical material can often be found at crime scenes (on live and dead bodies, or on incriminating objects) and can provide circumstantial evidence on various aspects of forensic investigations such as determining crime scene locations, times of death or possession of illegal species. Morphological and genetic analysis are the most commonly applied methods to analyze plant fragment evidence but are limited by their low capacity to differentiate between potential source locations, especially at local scales. Here, we review the current applications and limitations of current plant fragment analysis for forensic investigations and introduce the potential of microbiome analysis to complement the existing forensic plant fragment analysis toolkit. The potential for plant fragment provenance identification at geographic scales meaningful to forensic investigations warrants further investigation of the phyllosphere microbiome in this context. To that end we identify three key areas of future research: 1) Retrieval of microbial DNA of sufficient quality and quantity from botanical material; 2) Variability of the phyllosphere microbiome at different taxonomic and spatial scales, with explicit reference to assignment capacity; 3) Impacts on assignment capacity of time, seasonality and movement of fragments between locations. The development of robust microbiome analysis tools for forensic purposes in botanical material could increase the evidentiary value of the botanical evidence commonly encountered in casework, aiding in the identification of crime scene locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ishak
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Eleanor Dormontt
- Advanced DNA, Identification and Forensic Facility, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Young
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alotaibi SS, Sayed SM, Alosaimi M, Alharthi R, Banjar A, Abdulqader N, Alhamed R. Pollen molecular biology: Applications in the forensic palynology and future prospects: A review. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:1185-1190. [PMID: 32346322 PMCID: PMC7182995 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Palynology, which is the study of pollen and spores in an archaeological or geological context, has become a well-established research tool leading to many significant scientific developments. The term palynomorph includes pollen of spermatophytes, spores of fungi, ferns, and bryophytes, as well as other organic-walled microfossils, such as dinoflagellates and acritarches. Advances in plant genomics have had a high impact on the field of forensic botany. Forensic palynology has also been used and applied more recently to criminal investigation in a meaningful way. However, the use of pollen DNA profiling in forensic investigations has yet to be applied. There were earlier uses of dust traces in some forensic analyses that considered pollen as a type of botanical dust debris. Pollen grains can be studied for comparative morphological data, clues to unexpected aspects relating to breeding systems, pollination biology and hybridization. This can provide a better understanding of the entire biology of the group under investigation. Forensic palynology refers to the use of pollen and other spores when it is used as evidence in legal cases to resolve criminal issues by proving or disproving relationships between people and crime scenes. This overview describes the various contributions and the significance of palynology, its applications, different recent approaches and how it could be further employed in solving criminal investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saqer S Alotaibi
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samy M Sayed
- Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Manal Alosaimi
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad Alharthi
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aseel Banjar
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nosaiba Abdulqader
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alhamed
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wesselink M, Dragutinović A, Noordhoek JW, Bergwerff L, Kuiper I. DNA typing of birch: Development of a forensic STR system for Betula pendula and Betula pubescens. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 35:70-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
8
|
Verdone M, Rao R, Coppola M, Corrado G. Identification of zucchini varieties in commercial food products by DNA typing. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
9
|
Genotyping and Sequencing Technologies in Population Genetics and Genomics. POPULATION GENOMICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/13836_2017_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
10
|
Srivastava T, Wu M, Kakhnovich J, Waithaka B, Lents NH. A Three-Locus, PCR-based Method for Forensic Identification of Plant Material. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:1252-1260. [PMID: 29194624 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plant residue is currently an underutilized resource in forensic investigations despite the fact that many crime scenes, as well as suspects and victims, harbor plant-derived residue that could be recovered and analyzed. Notwithstanding the considerable skill of forensic botanists, current methods of species determination could benefit from tools for DNA-based species identification. However, DNA barcoding in plants has been hampered by sequence complications in the plant genome. Following a database search for usable barcodes, broad-spectrum primers were designed and utilized to amplify and sequence the rbcL, trnL-F, and rrn18 genetic loci from a variety of household plants. Once obtained, these DNA sequences were used to design species-targeted primers that could successfully discriminate the source of plant residue from among the 21 species tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Srivastava
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10019.,The Erasmus+ International Masters Program in Forensic Science, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Michael Wu
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10019
| | - Julia Kakhnovich
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10019
| | - Bridgit Waithaka
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10019.,The Erasmus+ International Masters Program in Forensic Science, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nathan H Lents
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10019.,The Erasmus+ International Masters Program in Forensic Science, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arenas M, Pereira F, Oliveira M, Pinto N, Lopes AM, Gomes V, Carracedo A, Amorim A. Forensic genetics and genomics: Much more than just a human affair. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006960. [PMID: 28934201 PMCID: PMC5608170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While traditional forensic genetics has been oriented towards using human DNA in criminal investigation and civil court cases, it currently presents a much wider application range, including not only legal situations sensu stricto but also and, increasingly often, to preemptively avoid judicial processes. Despite some difficulties, current forensic genetics is progressively incorporating the analysis of nonhuman genetic material to a greater extent. The analysis of this material-including other animal species, plants, or microorganisms-is now broadly used, providing ancillary evidence in criminalistics in cases such as animal attacks, trafficking of species, bioterrorism and biocrimes, and identification of fraudulent food composition, among many others. Here, we explore how nonhuman forensic genetics is being revolutionized by the increasing variety of genetic markers, the establishment of faster, less error-burdened and cheaper sequencing technologies, and the emergence and improvement of models, methods, and bioinformatics facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Arenas
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nadia Pinto
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Centre of Mathematics of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Veronica Gomes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Angel Carracedo
- Institute of Forensic Sciences Luis Concheiro, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Genomics Medicine Group, CIBERER, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Antonio Amorim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Šumberová K, Ducháček M. Analysis of plant soil seed banks and seed dispersal vectors: Its potential and limits for forensic investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 270:121-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
13
|
A short phylogenetically informative cpDNA fragment for the identification of Pinus species. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
14
|
|
15
|
|
16
|
Iyengar A, Hadi S. Use of non-human DNA analysis in forensic science: a mini review. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2014; 54:41-50. [PMID: 23929675 DOI: 10.1177/0025802413487522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of non-human DNA in forensic science, first reported about two decades ago, is now commonplace. Results have been used as evidence in court in a variety of cases ranging from abduction and murder to patent infringement and dog attack. DNA from diverse species, including commonly encountered pets such as dogs and cats, to plants, viruses and bacteria has been used and the sheer potential offered by such analyses has been proven. In this review, using case examples throughout, we detail the considerable literature in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arati Iyengar
- School of Forensic & Investigative Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Identification of DNA-microsatellite markers for the characterization of somatic embryos in Quercus suber. Methods Mol Biol 2013. [PMID: 23546787 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-389-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Nuclear DNA-microsatellite markers led the possibility to characterize individually both Quercus suber trees and somatic embryos. The genotype inferred by SSR markers opens the possibility to obtain a fingerprint for clonal lines identification. Furthermore, allow to infer the origin of somatic embryos from haploid cells (microspores) or from diploid tissues. Using few SSR markers from other Quercus species and an automatic system based in fluorescence, it is possible to obtain a high discrimination power between genotypes. This method is sufficient to assign tissues to an individual tree with high statistical certainty. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take care to select the adequate DNA extraction method to avoid PCR inhibitors present in diverse Q. suber tissues.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
An emerging application for plant DNA fingerprinting and barcoding involves forensic investigations. Examples of DNA analysis of botanical evidence include crime scene analysis, identifying the source of commercial plant products, and investigation of trade in illicit drugs. Here, we review real and potential applications of DNA-based forensic botany and provide a protocol for microsatellite genotyping of leaf material, a protocol that could be used to link a suspect to a victim or to a crime scene.
Collapse
|
19
|
Allgeier L, Hemenway J, Shirley N, LaNier T, Coyle HM. Field testing of collection cards for Cannabis sativa samples with a single hexanucleotide DNA marker. J Forensic Sci 2011; 56:1245-9. [PMID: 21644990 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The validity and feasibility of using DNA collection cards in the field for preservation and analysis of Cannabis sativa genotypes were investigated using a highly specific hexanucleotide marker. Collection cards were submitted to the National Marijuana Initiative, which selectively trained and managed the collection of specific types of samples from a variety of participating agencies. Samples collected at seizure sites included fresh marijuana leaf samples, dried "dispensary" samples, U.S. border seizures, and hashish. Using a standardized PCR kit with custom-labeled oligonucleotide primers specific to marijuana, collection cards produced eight genotypes and 13 different alleles, extremely low baselines, and no cross-reactivity with control plant species. Results were produced from all sample types with the exception of hashish. Plant DNA collection cards represent an easily implementable method for the genetic identification and relatedness of C. sativa street and grow site-seized samples with applications for databasing and market disruption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Allgeier
- Forensic Science Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yuan YH, Hou BW, Xu HJ, Luo J, Ding XY. Identification of the Geographic Origin of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum on Chinese Herbal Medicine Market Using Trinucleotide Microsatellite Markers. Biol Pharm Bull 2011; 34:1794-800. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.34.1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bei Wei Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University
| | - Hui Jun Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University
| | - Jing Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University
| | - Xiao Yu Ding
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kikkawa HS, Sugita R, Matsuki R, Suzuki S. Potential utility of DNA sequence analysis of long-term-stored plant leaf fragments for forensic discrimination and identification. ANAL SCI 2010; 26:913-6. [PMID: 20702948 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.26.913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the potential utility of DNA sequence analysis to discriminate and identify plant material in forensic investigations. DNA was extracted from plant leaf fragments of 11 species stored for 5 to 22 years after collection. The trnH-psbA intergenic spacer and 316 bp of the rbcL gene were successfully amplified and sequenced for all fragments except for the trnH-psbA spacer of one sample. All of the plant samples were discriminated in pairwise comparisons of the sequences. Using a combination of local and global genetic databases is likely to provide greater reliability in search results to identify forensic samples from sequence data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi S Kikkawa
- Third Department of Forensic Science, National Research Institute of Police Science, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Eurlings MC, Heuveling van Beek H, Gravendeel B. Polymorphic microsatellites for forensic identification of agarwood (Aquilaria crassna). Forensic Sci Int 2010; 197:30-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2009] [Revised: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
23
|
Chen JW, Uboh CE, Soma LR, Li X, Guan F, You Y, Liu Y. Identification of racehorse and sample contamination by novel 24-plex STR system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2010; 4:158-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2009.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2008] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
24
|
Lee EJ, Kim SC, Hwang IK, Yang HJ, Kim YS, Han MS, Yang MS, Lee YH. The identification of ingested dandelion juice in gastric contents of a deceased person by direct sequencing and GC-MS methods. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:721-7. [PMID: 19432748 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA and chemical analysis of gastric contents of a deceased person were handled in this work. The body of the victim was discovered in his car, submerged in a lake. We were asked to determine whether or not the gastric contents of the victim harbored drugs and dandelion material. It was suspected that the victim had been murdered by poisoning with an excess amount of sleeping medication (doxylamine), which had been homogenized with dandelion. The concentrations of 11.4 and 27.5 mg/kg of doxylamine detected from spleen and liver of the victim were far higher than the assumed therapeutic concentration. Via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and direct sequencing analysis of plant genetic markers such as intergenic transcribed spacer, 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), rbcL and trnLF, it was confirmed that the gastric contents of the victim contained taraxasterol, which is one of the marker compounds for dandelion and contained dandelion species-specific rbcL and trnL-trnF IGS (trnLF) sequences. The initial PCR of the genomic DNA isolated from the gastric contents showed insufficient quantity, and the second PCR, of which the template was a portion of the initial PCR products, exhibited a sufficient quantity for direct sequencing. rbcL and trnLF located in the cpDNA resulted in the successful determination of dandelion DNA in a decedent's stomach contents. GC-MS identifies the actual presence of a taraxasterol at 28.4 min. Raw dandelion was assumed to be used as a masking vehicle for excess sleeping drug (doxylamine).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-jung Lee
- DNA Analysis Sector, Western District Office of National Institute of Scientific Investigation, 111 Daeduk-Ri, Seosam-Myun, Jangsung-Gun, Chonnam 515-822, South Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ferri G, Alù M, Corradini B, Beduschi G. Forensic botany: species identification of botanical trace evidence using a multigene barcoding approach. Int J Legal Med 2009; 123:395-401. [PMID: 19504263 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-009-0356-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Forensic botany can provide significant supporting evidence during criminal investigations. However, it is still an underutilized field of investigation with its most common application limited to identifying specific as well as suspected illegal plants. The ubiquitous presence of plant species can be useful in forensics, but the absence of an accurate identification system remains the major obstacle to the present inability to routinely and correctly identify trace botanical evidence. Many plant materials cannot be identified and differentiated to the species level by traditional morphological characteristics when botanical specimens are degraded and lack physical features. By taking advantage of a universal barcode system, DNA sequencing, and other biomolecular techniques used routinely in forensic investigations, two chloroplast DNA regions were evaluated for their use as "barcoding" markers for plant identification in the field of forensics. We therefore investigated the forensic use of two non-coding plastid regions, psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF, to create a multimarker system for species identification that could be useful throughout the plant kingdom. The sequences from 63 plants belonging to our local flora were submitted and registered on the GenBank database. Sequence comparison to set up the level of identification (species, genus, or family) through Blast algorithms allowed us to assess the suitability of this method. The results confirmed the effectiveness of our botanic universal multimarker assay in forensic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Ferri
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Howard C, Gilmore S, Robertson J, Peakall R. ACannabis sativaSTR Genotype Database for Australian Seizures: Forensic Applications and Limitations. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:556-63. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01014.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|