Scientific Reports (Oct 2023)

Targeting cell-derived markers to improve the detection of invisible biological traces for the purpose of genetic-based criminal identification

  • Mathilde Recipon,
  • Rémy Agniel,
  • Johanne Leroy-Dudal,
  • Thibaud Fritz,
  • Franck Carreiras,
  • Francis Hermitte,
  • Sylvain Hubac,
  • Olivier Gallet,
  • Sabrina Kellouche

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45366-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 15

Abstract

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Abstract At a crime scene, investigators are faced with a multitude of traces. Among them, biological traces are of primary interest for the rapid genetic-based identification of individuals. “Touch DNA” consists of invisible biological traces left by the simple contact of a person’s skin with objects. To date, these traces remain undetectable with the current methods available in the field. This study proposes a proof-of-concept for the original detection of touch DNA by targeting cell-derived fragments in addition to DNA. More specifically, adhesive-structure proteins (laminin, keratin) as well as carbohydrate patterns (mannose, galactose) have been detected with keratinocyte cells derived from a skin and fingermark touch-DNA model over two months in outdoor conditions. Better still, this combinatory detection strategy is compatible with DNA profiling. This proof-of-concept work paves the way for the optimization of tools that can detect touch DNA, which remains a real challenge in helping investigators and the delivery of justice.