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dc.contributor.authorFordyce, S.
dc.contributor.authorKampmann, M.
dc.contributor.authorL van Doom, N.
dc.contributor.authorGilbert, Thomas
dc.date.accessioned2017-01-30T12:36:25Z
dc.date.available2017-01-30T12:36:25Z
dc.date.created2014-11-19T01:13:40Z
dc.date.issued2013
dc.identifier.citationFordyce, S. and Kampmann, M. and L van Doom, N. and Gilbert, T. 2013. Long-term RNA persistence in postmortem contexts. Investigative Genetics. 4.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/23277
dc.description.abstract

Ribonucleic acids (RNA) are generally considered fragile molecules that are readily degraded. However, there is growing documentation of long-term (from days to centuries) RNA persistence in a variety of contexts and tissue types, and as such a number of academic disciplines are beginning to exploit degraded RNA. While the reasons for its survival are not fully understood, there are several plausible mechanisms that would safeguard this molecule against degradation. However, after examining the literature available on the postmortem instability and decay mechanisms of RNA, it has become clear that limited experimental studies and no reviews offer an overview of these mechanisms. Hence in this review we outline molecular reasons for RNA surviving long-term postmortem, and provide specific examples of RNA survival in forensic, archival and archaeological contexts. A better understanding of the mechanisms of RNA decay will be crucial for developing expectations on its long-term survival.

dc.publisherBioMed Central
dc.relation.urihttp://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/2041-2223-4-7.pdf
dc.subjectPaleogenetics
dc.subjectPostmortem
dc.subjectForensic
dc.subjectRibonucleic acid (RNA)
dc.subjectInstability
dc.titleLong-term RNA persistence in postmortem contexts
dc.typeJournal Article
dcterms.source.volume4
dcterms.source.issn2041-2223
dcterms.source.titleInvestigative Genetics
curtin.accessStatusFulltext not available


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