Application of DNA methylation-based markers in identification of mixed body fluid evidences simulating crime scene scenarios

Abstract Background Epigenetic modifications are heritable and follow a non-mendelian inheritance pattern. They do not alter the DNA sequence but affect gene expression at transcriptional level. methylation is one of these epigenetic changes it characteristic to each tissue shows specificity with respect developmental stage age. Due its reliability, has emerged as valuable tool in forensic investigation. Biological samples, such blood, saliva, semen, or hair found crime scene can be used isolate study Recent developments molecular biology techniques allowed effects specific tissues. very intense. These markers identify type semen helps identification culprit. The present aimed validate use body fluid-specific peripheral menstrual semen. Additionally, investigate potential for different fluids mixtures simulating science scenarios. Different were studied fluid samples (peripheral semen) individually mixtures. extraction bisulfite conversion performed followed by real-time PCR. Results results PCR statistical analysis showed that SPERM2 marker was better than SEU2 mixed samples. However, individual later first one, whereas BLM1 MENS1 successful identifying blood respectively. Conclusions This data readily applied on identification. Further sequencing studies strongly recommended.