Keywords

mRNA profiling, digital penetration, sexual assault, forensic analysis, body fluid identification, evidence screening

Abstract

Sexual assault is commonly thought of as penile penetration of the vagina, without consent from the victim. It was only in 2011 that the Uniform Crime Report definition of rape was updated to include the following: “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without consent of the victim.” Digital penetration of the vagina (penetration with fingers) is the subject of this study. DNA analysis can identify individual contributors of a DNA profile. The body fluid origin of biological evidence can give additional contextual information about the nature of a sexual assault, but DNA analysis does not provide this. Traditional body fluid identification uses serological methods that consume sample material, are unable to simultaneously detect multiple body fluids, and do not provide definitive identification for body fluids such as saliva, vaginal secretions or skin. Instead, molecular-based techniques like mRNA profiling can provide more definitive body fluid identification for all forensically relevant body fluids and thus address the shortcomings of serological techniques. This study aimed to develop a rapid molecular-based approach for the screening of digital penetration evidence. First, a rapid DNA/RNA co-extraction was optimized for use with body fluids commonly encountered in forensic cases including digital penetration. Traditional autosomal DNA STR analysis and advanced RNA profiling assays were developed and optimized for use with the co-extracted samples. Four different RNA profiling assays were developed, including two multiplex capillary electrophoresis (CE) assays and two high resolution melt (HRM) assays. These assays were then structured into a molecular triage workflow for the analysis of digital penetration evidence. The performance of this workflow will be demonstrated with single source body fluids, simulated mixtures and bona fide digital penetration samples.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Hanson, Erin

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Chemistry

Identifier

DP0029281

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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