Molecular Forensic Medicine: An Overview

Abstract

Molecular autopsy or Molecular Forensic Medicine is gaining importance across the globe in both developed and developing countries. This is relatively less thought-out or discussed in the Indian scenario. We are attempting to present a mini-review of ongoing developments in the field of Molecular Forensic Medicine and emphasize the need for starting Molecular autopsy programs in Medico-Legal Centres in our country. This cross-disciplinary branch requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders for successful implementation in day-to-day autopsy practice. In the post-pandemic era, it is worth noting that most of the leading teaching hospitals in India now possess the necessary infrastructure to carry out molecular studies. This presents a unique opportunity for us to initiate our national molecular autopsy program.

Keywords

• molecular autopsy
• thanatotranscriptome
• thantomicrobiome
• sudden death
• thantomarkers
• regenerative medicine
• transplant medicine
• forensic pharmacogenomics
• toxicogenetics