Characterisation of body fluid specific microRNA markers by capillary electrophoresis

RNA-based body fluid identification has developed to the stage where it is almost ready for implementation in case work. Messenger RNA work has successfully developed a system where it can be characterised by capillary electrophoresis [1]. Work is also being carried out on microRNA, but currently the analyses are being carried out by quantitative PCR. This study is looking at the validity of conducting CE upon amplified miRNA products. This builds upon the work of van der Meer et al [2] and explores further body fluid specific markers. The main benefit of CE analysis is the multiplexing with STR kits to create a much more useful electropherogram for the reporting practitioner.