RNA Analysis in Forensic Molecular Biology

Background: Different types of RNA take on multiple crucial functions in living cells and tissues. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a temporary molecular carrier of genetic information. Analysis of the composition of all mRNA contained in a cell at a given moment, the so-called transcriptome, enables the determination of the type of cell and its condition, e.g., in pathologically altered states. Method: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search. Results: The analysis of differential gene expression has already been used in forensic molecular biology to determine the type of tissue contained in biological specimens. It is also being used in criminal investigations to determine the composition of mixed trace of various bodily fluids and/or organ tissues. The method is limited by degradation of the mRNA molecules through environmental influences. The use of newly developed molecular biological methods such as massive parallel sequencing can expand the information obtainable by this investigative method. Current research also addresses the forensic potential of deriving relevant information about the crime—e.g., its timing, or the condition of the involved persons—from the totality of mRNA species present in the specimens. Conclusion: Forensic RNA analysis can yield a great deal of relevant information. It is likely to be applicable in a much wider variety of forensic situations in the near future.