Florida International University

Hussain Alghanim

Bruce McCord

The invention pertains to analyzing the DNA methylation levels at specific genetic loci. The DNA methylation levels at the specific genetic loci can be used to detect the presence in a sample of a specific body fluid, for example, semen containing sperm, saliva, or blood. Particularly, the DNA methylation levels at the genetic loci corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 1, 7, 13, and 19 are used to detect sperms, saliva or blood cells. The DNA methylation levels at the specific loci can be determined by high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis or sequencing of the amplicons produced using specific primers designed to amplify the specific loci. Kits containing the primers and reagents for carrying out the methods disclosed herein are also provided.

DNA methylation assays for body fluid identification

The subject invention pertains to biomarkers for identifying the source of a cell as a current, former, or never smoker. In certain embodiments, the methylation status at the AHRR locus in the genomic DNA isolated from a cell is determined by pyrosequencing technique using specific primers described herein. Kits containing primers and reagents for carrying out the methods disclosed herein are also provided.

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Miami, FL, United States of America

Hussain Alghanim