CHAPTER 11: Epigenetics to Solve Crimes Book Chapter

Antunes, J, McCord, B. (2019). CHAPTER 11: Epigenetics to Solve Crimes . 2019-January 253-274. 10.1039/9781788016117-00253

cited authors

  • Antunes, J; McCord, B

abstract

  • The study of DNA methylation for forensic sciences provides great potential to aid forensic applications by permitting investigators to track variations in gene expression. As a result, this procedure provides additional information over and above the basic DNA typing used in standard forensic human identification. For example, epigenetic methods have the potential to provide a whole new level of specificity in forensic body fluid analysis. Tissue-specific methylation differences result from differences in cell transcription based on variations in a cell's application in the body. The detection of these differences by epigenetic methods permits a more specific and sensitive technique to detect human cells left behind by suspects at crime scenes. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, can also be used in identifying a suspect's age, lifestyle and diet. As a result, this technique represents a growing new and important procedure in crime scene analysis.

publication date

  • January 1, 2019

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

International Standard Book Number (ISBN) 13

start page

  • 253

end page

  • 274

volume

  • 2019-January