Abstract
The European Forensic Genetics Network of Excellence (EUROFORGEN-NoE) undertook a
collaborative project on mRNA-based body fluid/skin typing and the interpretation
of the resulting RNA and DNA data. Although both body fluids and skin are composed
of a variety of cell types with different functions and gene expression profiles,
we refer to the procedure as ‘cell type inference’. Nine laboratories participated
in the project and used a 20-marker multiplex to analyse samples that were centrally
prepared and thoroughly tested prior to shipment. Specimens of increasing complexity
were assessed that ranged from reference PCR products, cDNAs of indicated or unnamed
cell type source(s), to challenging mock casework stains. From this specimen set,
information on the overall sensitivity and specificity of the various markers was
obtained. In addition, the reliability of a scoring system for inference of cell types
was assessed. This scoring system builds on replicate RNA analyses and the ratio observed/possible
peaks for each cell type [
[1]
]. The results of the exercise support the usefulness of this scoring system. When
interpreting the data obtained from the analysis of the mock casework stains, the
participating laboratories were asked to integrate the DNA and RNA results and associate
donor and cell type where possible. A large variation for the integrated interpretations
of the DNA and RNA data was obtained including correct interpretations. We infer that
with expertise in analysing RNA profiles, clear guidelines for data interpretation
and awareness regarding potential pitfalls in associating donors and cell types, mRNA-based
cell type inference can be implemented for forensic casework.Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 31, 2014
Accepted:
January 19,
2014
Received in revised form:
January 17,
2014
Received:
December 10,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
