Molecular Mechanisms in Forensic Pathology

Dear Colleagues,

Applying molecular mechanisms to forensic pathology is a revolutionary approach compared to traditional methods. Molecular investigation enables the study of genetic, protein and metabolic alterations that either lead to or occur after death. The main molecular mechanisms investigated in the field of forensic science are the following:

1. Molecular thanatocronology (post-mortem interval estimation): estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is one of the most complex challenges. As well as the classic thanatological signs (rigor mortis, livor mortis and algor mortis), the mechanisms of nucleic acid and protein degradation are also studied.
2. Molecular autopsy in sudden death: In cases of sudden unexpected death in young people (SUD or SIDS), where the heart appears structurally normal, the cause is often a genetic channelopathy or cardiomyopathy.
3. Differential diagnosis of lesion vitality: In forensic pathology, it is crucial to distinguish whether a wound was inflicted before or after death. The key lies in the inflammatory response, testing established markers found in the wound using immunohistochemistry or RT-PCR.
4. Pharmacogenomics and forensic toxicology: Not everyone reacts to drugs or medications in the same way. Genetics explains why a 'therapeutic' dose for one person can be lethal for another.
5. Identification of Biological Fluids (mRNA Profiling): As well as using DNA for personal identification, molecular mechanisms can be employed to determine the type of tissue (e.g., blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid) found at the crime scene, particularly when presumptive tests fail.

Prof. Dr. Vittorio Fineschi
Guest Editor

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