title: Molecular DNA Analysis in Forensic Identification.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Serological and biochemical identification methods used in forensics have several major disadvantages, such as: long time in processing biological sample and lack of sensitivity and specificity. In the last 30 years, DNA molecular analysis has become an important tool in forensic investigations. DNA profiling is based on the short tandem repeats (STR) and aids in human identification from biological samples.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forensic genetics, can provide information on the events which occurred at the crime scene or to supplement other methods of forensic identification. Currently, the methods used in identification are based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. This method analyses the autosomal STRs, the Y-chromosome, and the mitochondrial DNA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Correlation of biological samples present at the crime scene with identification, selection, and the probative value factor is therefore the first aspect to be taken into consideration in the forensic genetic analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the last decade, because of the advances in the field of molecular biology, new biomarkers such as: microRNAs (miR), messenger RNA (mRNA), and DNA methylation have been studied and proposed to be used in the forensic identifications of body fluids.
authors.forename: Raluca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dumache
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ciocan
authors.forename: Camelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Muresan
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Enache
mesh_terms: D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000639:trends; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D005819:Genetic Markers