Proteomic analysis of human tooth enamel structure for sex determination in forensic investigations. Narrative review

Toribio R.M.L.; Eugenio N.E.C.; Suárez D.A.M.L. · Revista de la Asociacion Odontologica Argentina (2024) · DOI: 10.52979/raoa.1121252.1250

Resumen

The ability to assign biological sex to human skeletal remains is a fundamental requirement in forensic medicine. One of the biggest concerns of the legal system is to achieve the recognition of an element or individual involved in a crime, for which the forensic expert plays a fundamental role. Forensic odontology involves the application of dentistry to the legal sys-tem. Although DNA sequencing can be used, its use is limited by DNA sequencing in ancient samples, its contamination, its high cost and the limited preservation of nuclear DNA. A simpler, more reliable, and consistently applicable method is needed. Dental characteristics are considered one of the main identifying characteristics according to INTERPOL guide-lines. Therefore, proteomics is a method that provides a new, apparently simple, and relatively inexpensive way to determine sex without risk of contamination. Proteins can be preserved in the hard tissue of teeth (enamel) for tens of thousands of years. The proteomic method uses two sexually distinct forms of the amelogenin protein in dental enamel, detectable by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: the amelogenin Y protein isoform is present in dental enamel tissue only in men, while the X isoform can be found in both sexes. With this background, a review of the application of forensic biology from the point of view of legal odontology is presented here.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán