Highlights
- •High-throughput sequencing was conducted to systematically screen reference genes for miRNA-based body fluid identification.
- •MiR-320a-3p identified by high-throughput sequencing was ultimately determined to be a reliable reference gene.
- •A total of 238 samples were tested to verify the applicability of candidate reference genes.
- •Mock degraded samples were used for the first time to assess the usability of candidate reference RNAs.
- •Body fluid-specific miRNAs were analysed and discussed using different reference RNAs.
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA)-based methods for body fluid identification are promising tools in
the practice of forensic science. The selection of appropriate endogenous reference
genes as normalizers for the relative quantification of miRNA expression levels using
quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT qPCR) is essential to avoid errors and improve the comparability of miRNA expression
level data among different body fluids. In this study, small RNAs were isolated from
individual donations of five forensically relevant body fluids (peripheral blood,
menstrual blood, saliva, semen and vaginal secretions). Thirty-seven samples were
subjected to high-throughput miRNA sequencing. By combining our results with those
obtained through a literature investigation, 28 candidate RNAs were identified. Following
RT qPCR validation, the candidate RNAs were preliminarily evaluated in 15 samples to
exclude miRNAs with low expression and high variation. Then, the expression levels
of 10 relatively stable candidate reference RNAs in 100 samples were determined and
further analysed using four commonly employed programs (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper
and ΔCq). According to the comprehensive stability rankings of the four algorithms,
miR-320a-3p was validated as the most stable endogenous reference gene among the five
forensically relevant body fluids, followed by miR-484, SNORD43, miR-320c and RNU6b.
Moreover, the combined application of miR-320a-3p with RNU6b could increase the normalization
effect. In addition, a total of 56 mock samples placed outdoors and indoors for different
times were prepared to further evaluate the stability of candidate reference RNAs,
and miR-320a-3p remained the preferred reference gene. Furthermore, the relative expression
levels of publicly accepted body fluid-specific miRNAs were determined in 30 samples
to verify the practicality and effectiveness of the reference genes. Our results revealed
a set of alternative reference genes and could promote the development and application
of miRNA-based body fluid identification by determining optional reference genes for
strict normalization.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 05, 2023
Accepted:
January 4,
2023
Received in revised form:
December 29,
2022
Received:
June 11,
2022
Identification
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