Body fluid identification by messenger RNA profiling in sexual assault

Abstract

Body fluid identification through messenger RNA (mRNA) has been proposed as a useful supplement to presumptive and confirmatory tests by previous laboratory studies; however, its application in routine clinical forensic examination was rare. We report a case of sexual assault in which body fluid identification by mRNA profiling was used. Vaginal secretions mRNA markers (MUC4, HBD1, and CYP2B7P1) were used to test the sample, being obtained positive results. This case demonstrates that mRNA profiling of body fluids could be applied to routine case examinations as an aid, acting as a scientific collaborative evidence to strengthen the medicolegal opinion.