The implications of taphonomic alteration of human bone protein profiles for the development of a bone proteomics PMI/AAD estimation method.

ABSTRACT: The estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) and the age-at-death (AAD) are crucial steps in the medico-legal investigation of unidentified human remains. Current methods to estimate PMI and AAD suffer from a lack of accuracy and objectivity, particularly when the remains are in an advanced state of decomposition. Recently, proteomics studies using animal models have identified potential biomarkers for PMI and AAD estimation. This study investigated the human bone proteome in four human body donors studied throughout decomposition outdoors. We compared different bone tissues (tibia and iliac crest) from body donors of known AAD, and compared bone samples taken shortly after death to bone samples upon complete skeletonization of the body. The effects of ageing phenomena (in vivo and post-mortem) and the surrounding environment on the variability and abundancy of the bone proteome were assessed.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Bone

SUBMITTER: Noemi Procopio  

LAB HEAD: Noemi Procopio

PROVIDER: PXD019693 | Pride | 2021-09-09

REPOSITORIES: Pride