Identification of forensically relevant body fluids using a panel of differentially expressed microRNAs

Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability to identify the body fluid origin of forensic biological stains using messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling. However, the size of the amplimer used in these assays may not be ideal for use with degraded or compromised samples frequently encountered in forensic casework. Therefore, a novel approach to body fluid identification through the use of microRNA (miRNA) profiling was developed. MicroRNAs are only 20–25 bases in length and may be more suitable for use with degraded or environmentally compromised biological samples. We have identified a set of nine differentially expressed miRNAs that permit the identification of the body fluid origin of forensic biological stains using as little as 50 pg of total RNA.