Body Fluids Detection kits and Methods of Use – IP 1655

DNA is commonly used to match a sample collected from a crime scene with DNA retrieved from a suspect to identify a connection of the suspect to the crime scene, but current DNA analyses do not allow for the identification of the source of DNA from a suspect. Certain forensic cases, however, require confirmation that a DNA sample from a suspect is from an intimate body fluid and not from cell transfer during innocent contact, such as a hug. FIU inventors have developed methods and kits for analyzing the levels of DNA methylation at specific genetic loci to detect specific body fluids, for example, vaginal secretions or vaginal epithelial cells, semen or sperms, saliva or buccal epithelial cells, or blood or blood cells. The kits comprise a reverse and forward primer designed to amplify a specific locus. The level of methylation at the locus can then be determined by high-resolution melt analysis (HRM) or sequencing of the amplicons produced using the specifically designed primers. Anne Laure Schmitt Olivier aschmitt@fiu.edu 305-348-5948