Review of biomolecular methods for age estimation in application of forensic odontology

Abstract

Age estimation analysis can support the forensic identification for solving cases in the fields of law, anthropology, identification of victims of mass disasters, as well as in criminal cases. The molecular biology approach in predicting age is based on the principles of biomolecular changes as a person ages. In addition, usually, some of the evidence in criminal cases are biological material so that analysis through molecular biology approach is necessary. The method for biomolecular forensic analysis is divided into DNA-based methods that include mitochondrial DNA deletions, telomere shortening, circular excision of T-cell receptors (signal-joint-T-cell receptor excision circles, or sjTRECs), DNA methylation and protein-based methods which include advanced glycation end products, AGEs and aspartic acid racemization (AAR). This review aims to cover the current methods of molecular biology that are useful in predicting age in the applications of forensic odontology and identification.