mRNA pRofIlINg IN IdeNtIfIcAtIoN of bIologIcAl fluIds IN foReNsIc geNetIcs

Detection and identification of human body fluids represent very important aspects of forensic biology, since in the case of numerous offences, a firm determination of the DNA source (e.g. semen, saliva, epithelium) rather than establishing the DNA profile alone is of great significance. The presently employed routine methods are insufficient: there are no specific tests confirming the presence of saliva, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood or azoospermic semen. mRNA profiling, or identification and detection of body fluids based on the presence of tissue-specific transcripts is a new, promising technique of biological fluid identification. The method is universal, may be specific, and detection of several biological fluids can be simultaneous thanks to the use of multiplex PcR. To date, several dozen mRNA markers characteristic for numerous body fluids have been identified. The present review paper provides a summary of current knowledge on mRNA profiling for the purpose of biological fluid identification.