Cardiac Troponin T: A possible short-term time of death marker

CHED 789

Jessica D Murillo, jmuri002@fiu.edu1, Behnoush Memari1, and Kenneth G. Furton, furtonk@fiu.edu2. (1) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, FL 33199, (2) Department of Chemistry and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL 33199
An estimation of time since death is one the most sought after clues during investigations involving untimely and natural death. The hypothesis of this investigation is that the degradation of the protein, cardiac Troponin T (cTnT), serves as a sensitive marker to estimate the post-mortem interval. Analysis begins with extraction of the protein from bovine heart tissue. The troponin system, composed of three different proteins, Troponin C, T and I, is highly conserved across mammalian species. Thus, it is possible to cross-react human anti-TnT antibodies with bovine cTnT. Extracted proteins are separated by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and fragments are visualized by Western blot using cTnT specific monoclonal antibodies. Results for the first seven days display a predictable trend in degradation of the protein, for samples stored at 23°C. A second set of samples were exposed to a temperature cycle range of 30-35°C for 0-5 days; results for both will be presented.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Biochemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008