RNA/DNA Co-Analysis From Human Saliva and Semen Stains-Results of a Third Collaborative EDNAP Exercise

• NCJ Number: 246368
• Journal: Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2013 Pages: 230-239
• Author(s): C. Haas; E. Hanson; M. J. Anjos; R. Banemann; A. Berti; E. Borges; A. Carracedo; M. Carvalho; C. Courts; G. De Cock; M. Dötsch; S. Flynn; I. Gomes; C. Hollard; B. Hjort; P. Hoff-Olsen; K. Hríbiková; A. Lindenbergh; B. Ludes; O. Maroñas; N. McCallum; D. Moore; N. Morling; H. Niederstätter; F. Noel; W. Parson; C. Popielarz; C. Rapone; A. D. Roeder; Y. Ruiz; E. Sauer; P. M. Schneider; T. Sijen; D. S. Court; B. Sviežená; M. Turanská; A. Vidaki; L. Zatkalíková; J. Ballantyne
• Date Published: February 2013
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A third collaborative exercise on RNA/DNA co-analysis for body fluid identification and STR profiling was organized by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP).

Abstract

Twenty saliva and semen stains, four dilution series (10-0.01 ul saliva, 5-0.01 ul semen) and, optionally, bona fide or mock casework samples of human or non-human origin were analyzed by 20 participating laboratories using an RNA extraction or RNA/DNA co-extraction method. Two novel mRNA multiplexes were used: a saliva triplex (HTN3, STATH and MUC7) and a semen pentaplex (PRM1, PRM2, PSA, SEMG1 and TGM4). The laboratories used different chemistries and instrumentation and a majority (16/20) were able to successfully isolate and detect mRNA in dried stains. The simultaneous extraction of RNA and DNA from individual stains not only permitted a confirmation of the presence of saliva/semen (i.e. tissue/fluid source of origin), but allowed an STR profile of the stain donor to be obtained as well. The method proved to be reproducible and sensitive, with as little as 0.05 ul saliva or semen, using different analysis strategies. Additionally, the researchers demonstrated the ability to positively identify the presence of saliva and semen, as well as obtain high quality DNA profiles, from old and compromised casework samples. The results of this collaborative exercise involving an RNA/DNA co-extraction strategy support the potential use of an mRNA based system for the identification of saliva and semen in forensic casework that is compatible with current DNA analysis methodologies. (Published Abstract)