Evaluating the Use of DNA and RNA Degradation for Estimating the Post-Mortem Interval

Researchers propose to investigate the potential of using relative rates of decay of different RNA and DNA markers from different tissues (ribs, nails and teeth) as a novel tool for post mortem interval (PMI) determination that examine these factors. Researchers will adapt the Promega DNA IQ extraction method to isolate RNA and DNA from sample tissues; identify candidate markers for both RNA and DNA degradation assays that differ in degradation pattern and/or frequency; use muscle samples to test and refine degradation assays; apply the RNA and DNA assays to samples of ribs, nails and teeth over a time course; and perform a statistical evaluation of the data. ca/ncf