Gene Expression Analysis in Fly Pupae Improves Post-Mortem Interval Estimation in Forensic Entomology

Understanding gene expression in insects helps determine the time of death, aiding forensic investigations. This knowledge benefits society by providing more accurate tools for solving criminal cases. Ana Julia Pereira, a researcher at the Centro de Investigaciones en Toxicología Ambiental y Agrobiotecnología del Comahue (CITAAC) in Argentina, specializes in forensic entomology. Her work focuses on studying *Calliphoridae* flies, commonly known as blowflies, which are crucial in forensic investigations. These flies are among the first to arrive at a deceased body, laying eggs that develop into larvae. Pereira's research, published in journals like the "International Journal of Legal Medicine," analyzes the life cycle of these flies on human corpses. Forensic entomologists use the size and characteristics of the larvae to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI), the time elapsed since death. A key challenge is accurately estimating the age of pupae, the stage where the insect transforms internally. To address this, Pereira and her team investigated gene expression in pupae. They identified specific genes that are activated at different stages of development. By analyzing the activity of these genes, they can more precisely estimate the time since pupation, improving PMI estimations. This innovative approach was presented at specialized symposia, such as one organized in 2025 by Dr. Pereira and Dr. Fernando Hernán Aballay. This research provides more accurate tools for determining the PMI, which is vital for solving criminal cases. This work enhances the accuracy of forensic investigations, contributing to justice and public safety.