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Characterization of DNA methylation-based markers for human body fluid identification in forensics: a critical review

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Abstract

Body fluid identification in crime scene investigations aids in reconstruction of crime scenes. Several studies have identified and reported differentially methylated sites (DMSs) and regions (DMRs) which differ between forensically relevant tissues (tDMRs) and body fluids. Diverse factors affect methylation patterns such as the environment, diets, lifestyle, disease, ethnicity, genetic variation, amongst others. Thus, it is important to analyse the stability of markers employed for forensic identification. Furthermore, even though epigenetic modifications are described as stable and heritable, epigenetic inheritance of potential markers for body fluid identification needs to be assessed in the long term. Here, we discuss the current status of reported DNA methylation-based markers and their verification studies. Such thorough investigation is crucial to develop a stable panel of DNA methylation-based markers for accurate body fluid identification.

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  1. Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa

    Farzeen Kader & Meenu Ghai

  2. Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa

    Ademola O. Olaniran

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Kader, F., Ghai, M. & Olaniran, A.O. Characterization of DNA methylation-based markers for human body fluid identification in forensics: a critical review. Int J Legal Med 134, 1–20 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-019-02181-3

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