Analysis of global variability in 15 established and 5 new European Standard Set (ESS) STRs using the CEPH human genome diversity panel

The CEPH human genome diversity cell line panel (CEPH-HGDP) of 51 globally distributed populations was used to analyze patterns of variability in 20 core human identification STRs. The markers typed comprised the 15 STRs of Identifiler, one of the most widely used forensic STR multiplexes, plus five recently introduced European Standard Set (ESS) STRs: D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D12S391 and D22S1045. From the genotypes obtained for the ESS STRs we identified rare, intermediate or off-ladder alleles that had not been previously reported for these loci. Examples of novel ESS STR alleles found were characterized by sequence analysis. This revealed extensive repeat structure variation in three ESS STRs, with D12S391 showing particularly high variability for tandem runs of AGAT and AGAC repeat units. The global geographic distribution of the CEPH panel samples gave an opportunity to study in detail the extent of substructure shown by the 20 STRs amongst populations and between their parent population groups. An assessment was made of the forensic informativeness of the new ESS STRs compared to the loci they will replace: CSF1PO, D5S818, D7S820, D13S317 and TPOX, with results showing a clear enhancement of discrimination power using multiplexes that genotype the new ESS loci. We also measured the ability of Identifiler and ESS STRs to infer the ancestry of the CEPH-HGDP samples and demonstrate that forensic STRs in large multiplexes have the potential to differentiate the major population groups but only with sufficient reliability when used with other ancestry-informative markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms. Finally we checked for possible association by linkage between the two ESS multiplex STRs closely positioned on chromosome-12: vWA and D12S391 by examining paired genotypes from the complete CEPH data set.     

单亲鉴定案例STR选择探讨和PI值计算方法评价

作者对STR位点的个体识别能力(DP)、杂合度(H)、非父排除率(PE)、多态信息含量(PIC)等进行统计学分析,探寻了适合中国人群单亲子鉴定、且有利于国内外DNA实验室数据交流的STR位点,并对现行的PI值计算方法进行了评价。     

Population data for MiniNC01 in a population sample from North-eastern Italy and their use in neoplastic tissues fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin

To establish a database for the three MiniNC01 loci D10S1248, D14S1434, D22S1045 in a population sample from North-eastern Italy, 102 unrelated individuals were typed. DNA was amplified in a multiplex reaction with subsequent automatic detection using capillary electrophoresis. The obtained data give a contribution to the definition of Italian population miniSTRs allele frequencies for the three analysed loci. These three MiniSTRs were tested on 21 neoplastic tissues and the obtained genotypes were compared to those obtained from normal tissue. Only 3 cases (14.28%) gave a different genotype suggesting a better performance of these markers than traditional STRs.     

22号染色体4个STR基因座的遗传多态性及连锁关系

目的 研究22号染色体上4个STR在中国成都汉族群体的分布,开发新的STR应用于法医学应用。方法 103份汉族无血缘关系的个体血样,及10个三代家系采自成都。用PCR技术分别对4个STR基因座进行扩增,所有基因座均采用非变性聚丙烯酰胺凝胶不连续缓冲系统水平电泳进行分型,银染。应用Linkage软件包的CILINK软件对4个基因座进行连锁分析。结果 通过4个STR的群体遗传学分析,D22S686、D22S533、D22S685和D22S445的个人识别率分别为0.875、0.913、0.923和0.84,它们的非父排除率分别为0.522、0.538、0.624和0.490。在家系调查中,发现D22S685存在一例突变。结论 这4个STR具有很好的多态性,可作为法医学个人识别和亲权鉴定新的候选遗传标记。     

Population data of nine miniSTR loci in Koreans

For highly degraded DNA samples of forensic casework, new miniSTR systems have been developed to supplement the current STR systems. In the present study, nine miniSTR loci were analyzed in 300 unrelated Koreans using three multiplex PCR systems (multiplex I: D10S1248, D14S1434 and D22S1045; multiplex II: D1S1677, D2S441 and D4S2364; and multiplex III: D3S3053, D6S474 and D20S482), and allele frequencies and forensic parameters were calculated. These data demonstrated that D10S1248, D2S441, D22S1045, D14S1434, and D6S474 are as highly informative as the CODIS STRs suggesting that the miniSTRs could be useful for forensic analysis of degraded DNA.     

Robustness of the Y STRs DYS19, DYS389 I and II, DYS390 and DYS393: optimization of a PCR pentaplex

Various technical methods were investigated with the aim of developing a multiplex system to amplify five Y-chromosome STR loci in the same PCR reaction: DYS393, DYS19, DYS390, DYS389 I and DYS389 II. A sequenced allelic ladder was constructed with previously sequenced alleles including the most common ones. A number of reamplification conditions of the allelic ladders were tested. The pentaplex was evaluated for typing using two different platforms (ABI and ALF) with promising results. However, in degraded samples non-specific artifacts were observed in the DYS393 system in the same range of sizes as the real alleles. This system can also be typed in females under relatively low stringency conditions in the PCR amplification, making this system prone to errors in critical samples. This lack of specificity can be reduced by increasing the stringency of the PCR conditions. The DYS19 ladder cannot be reamplified as stutters appear after a few reamplifications. These stutters are probably due to a 2 bp slippage induced by the presence of a TA repeat stretch in the PCR amplified fragments. Non-specific products were also noted in the DYS389 I and DYS389 II amplification, although out of the range of other alleles in this pentaplex. This newly constructed pentaplex has proved to be very useful in population genetic studies because all five Y STR markers can be loaded in the same lane of a gel with other Y STR singleplex or multiplexes. The usefulness of Y-chromosome STRs in criminal casework is especially evident in analyzing azoospermic individuals.     

Developmental validation of a single-tube amplification of the 13 CODIS STR loci, D2S1338, D19S433, and amelogenin: the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit

Analysis of length polymorphism at short tandem repeat (STR) loci utilizing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process has proven to be an ideal assay for human identification purposes. The short length of STR loci coupled with the amplification of target sequence through PCR allows for a robust, sensitive, and specific assay for highly polymorphic markers. A multiplex containing fifteen STR loci plus the gender-determining locus Amelogenin was developed to provide a single amplification/detection of all CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) STR loci (CSF1PO, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, FGA, TH01, TPOX, and vWA) as well as two internationally-accepted STRs (D2S1338 and D19S433). By incorporating five-dye fragment analysis technology and non-nucleotide linkers, previously optimized AmpFlSTR kit primer sequences have been maintained. This kit has been developed in accordance with the standards of the forensic community as defined by the DNA Advisory Board. Validation studies were performed to include developmental validation, and the results support the use of the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit for human identity and parentage testing.     

Forensic and population genetic analysis of Serbian population using 21 STR loci of GlobalFiler™ PCR amplification kit

Autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) have been widely used in forensic investigations. Prior to the application of any DNA based identification method, it is essential to estimate the allele frequencies and forensic statistical parameters of targeted STR loci in each population in order to provide a more precise reference database for forensic investigation. The GlobalFiler™ Kit is a multiplex assay that combines the 13 original CODIS loci with 7 non-overlapping loci from the expanded European Standard Set (ESS), as well as the highly discriminating SE33 locus, two Y-based loci and the sex determining maker, Amelogenin. The full complement of loci in the GlobalFiler™ Kit are: D13S317, D7S820, D5S818, CSF1PO, D1S1656, D12S391, D2S441, D10S1248, D18S51, FGA, D21S11, D8S1179, vWA, D16S539, TH01, D3S1358, AMEL, D2S1338, D19S433, DYS391, TPOX, D22S1045, SE33 and a Y-specific insertion/deletion locus (Yindel). The 6-dye GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification kit (ThermoFisher Scientific) comprises 21 autosomal STRs have already been proven to be able to provide reliable DNA profiling results and enhance the power of discrimination between individuals. In this study, we are presenting an analysis of GlobalFiler STR loci on 209 unrelated individuals from Serbia.     

The X-linked STRs DXS7130 and DXS6803

This paper presents sequence and population genetic data of two new X-linked microsatellite markers, suitable for forensic purposes. Data were obtained from a sample of unrelated German individuals (male and female). Two highly informative markers could be added to the panel of ChrX STRs [J. Edelmann, S. Hering, M. Michael, R. Lessig, D. Deichsel, G. Meier-Sundhausen, L. Roewer, I. Plate, R. Szibor, 16 X-chromosome STR loci frequency data from a German population, For. Sci. Int. 124 (2001) 215-218; J. Edelmann, D. Deichsel, S. Hering, I. Plate, R. Szibor, Sequence variation and allele nomenclature for the X-linked STRs DXS9895, DXS8378, DXS7132, DXS6800, DXS7133, GATA172D05, DXS7423 and DXS8377, For. Sci. Int. 129 (2002) 99-103].     

Development of two pentaplex systems with X-chromosomal STR loci and their allele frequencies in a northeast German population

In this study we present two new pentaplex systems for the coamplification of X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). X-penta-1 comprises DXS9898, DXS6807, HPRTB, DXS101, and androgen receptor (ARA); X-penta-2 consists of DXS7133, DXS10011, DXS7424, DXS8377, and DXS8378. In addition, allele frequencies for these loci in a northeast German population comprising 100 females and 105 males were shown. The applicability and usefulness of our two PCR pentaplex approaches in paternity deficiency cases is demonstrated by a combined power of discrimination (PD(c)) for both females and males with PD(c)>0.999999.     

Population data of nine STRs of Mexican-Mestizos from Mexico City

One hundred and thirteen individuals were PCR-typed for nine STR loci with the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus PCR amplification kit, including the following autosomal STRs: D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820. Allele frequencies for each STR were estimated, and they were compared to other populations. Genotype distribution by locus and by two-loci combination was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations for all nine STRs. For this region of Mexico, the combined probability of exclusion (PE) and power of discrimination (PD) were estimated: PE=99.964% and PD>99.999%.     

Data for 10 autosomal STR markers in South Tunisian population

Allele frequencies, together with some parameters of forensic interest for 10 STRs (D3S1358, vWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01 and FGA) were estimated from 201 unrelated individuals originating from southern Tunisia. Significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for only one marker. Comparative analyses between our population data and other populations showed that only markers D3S158, vWA and FGA were homogenous among populations. The combination of these 10 STR loci provide a powerful tool for forensic identification in Tunisian population.     

Genetic polymorphism of 14 non-CODIS STR loci for forensic use in southeast China population

We investigated 14 polymorphic STR loci (D1S2142, D2S1360, D3S1545, D7S1517, D10S2325, D12S391, D13S1492, D14S306, D15S659, D16S3253, D18S1270, D19S253, D20S470, D21S1437) which are not included in the standard sets of forensic loci (CODIS) in a sample of 216 unrelated healthy southeast Chinese individuals. The studied loci were highly informative and did not show departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The accumulated powers of discrimination and power of exclusion for the 14 loci were 99.9999999999 and 99.999998%, respectively. No linkage was observed between the 14 loci and the traditional set of STR markers included in commercially available kits (the AmpFLSTR IdentifilerTM 15 System loci). We thus considered the studied 14 STRs are informative and when necessary, can be used as the candidate genetic markers in the study and application in genetics and forensic practice.     

广东地区汉族人群 13个 STR基因座的频率调查

目的调查广东地区汉族无关个体的 13个 STR基因座（ D3S1358、 vWA、 FGA、 D8S1179、 D21S11、 D18S51、 D5S818、 D13S317、 D7S820、 D1 6S539、 TH01、 TPOX、 CSF1PO）多态性,研究其在法医学检验中的应用价值。方法用 AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus及 Cofiler二个荧光标记系统对新鲜血样进行 13个基因座的复合扩增,用 ABI 377-96全自动测序仪对扩增产物进行检测,用 GenoTyper软件进行基因分型。结果 13个基因座 PIC >0.5,DP >0.76,家系调查符合孟德尔遗传规律。结论含有 13个 STR基因座的二个荧光标记复合扩增系统可满足法医物证学的个体识别及亲权鉴定的需要。     

Allele frequencies data and statistic parameters for 13 STR loci in a population of the Brazilian Amazon Region

Allele frequencies for 13 short tandem repeat (D3S1358, vWA, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, TH01, TPOX, D16S539, CSF1PO, D8S1179 and FGA) loci were determined in a sample of 325 unrelated individuals from the population of the Amazon of Belém, Brazil. These loci are the most commonly used in forensic and paternity testing. The forensic parameters investigated presented high values. The power of discrimination and the probability of exclusion for these 13 STRs are 99.999999999992% and 99.9998%, respectively. In conclusion, these 13 markers are suitable for forensic analysis and paternity tests of the Amazonian population.     

Allele frequency distributions of six Amp-FLPS (D1S80, APO-B, VWA, TH01, CSF1PO and HPRTB) in a Mexican population

Six amplified fragment length polymorphisms or Amp-FLPs, two VNTRs (D1S80 and APO-B) and four STRs (VWA, TH01, CSF1PO and HPRTB), were typed in a Mexican population of the Jalisco state by means of non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native PAGE) in standard gel units and silver staining. Genotype distribution was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE) for all six markers. Heterozygosity ranged from 70.6 to 83.5%, the cumulated chance of exclusion (CE) and power of discrimination (PD) were 99.4 and 99.99%, respectively. STRs and D1S80 allele frequency distributions (AFD) were similar (P > 0.05) to U.S. Hispanics, but different to U.S. Caucasians and African-Americans. APO-B exhibited similarities with White Brazilians, Spaniards, but differences (P < 0.05) with Amerindian and Black Brazilians.     

Observation of tri-allelic patterns in autosomal STRs during routine casework

We report three cases of tri-allelic patterns observed during routine forensic casework on 5964 Belgian residents. These individuals had been typed for the following 15 autosomal STRs: CSF1PO, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, vWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, D2S1338 and D19S433.The first example of a tri-allelic pattern had the genotype 13;15;16 for the D8S1179 locus. In the second observation there was 16;21;22 pattern for the D18S51 locus. The third case had the alleles 10;11;13 also for D18S51.All cases belonged to the Type I tri-allelic pattern, with three uneven peaks, the sum of the heights of both smaller peaks equalling the height of the tallest peak.Three cases in 5964 typed individuals is a frequency for tri-allelic patterns in autosomal STRs of 0.05%.     

Analysis of forensic samples in Banco Nacional de Datos Genéticos

Analysis of forensic samples to evaluate the rate of success for molecular markers: autosomal STRs, Y chromosome, and mitochondrial DNA. Since 2006 to date a total of 390 forensic samples were analyzed: bones, teeth, hairs, swabs, stains and paraffin embedded tissue. Bones and teeth, were pulverized in a Freezer Mill, extracted by chloroform/phenol/isoamyl alcohol method, and then purified with Centricon 100 columns. DNA from paraffin was extracted with QIAmp DNA Mini kit (QIAGEN). Mitochondrial DNA Control Region sequences were determined for regions HV1/HV2. Sequencing was performed using the BigDye^® Terminator v 1.1 Kit and analyzed in ABIPRISM^® 3100 Genetic Analyzer (AB). STRs were amplified using Amp FlSTR Identifiler^®, Minifiler^® and YFiler^® Kit (AB) and analyzed in ABI PRISM^® 3100 Genetic Analyzer and ABI PRISM^® 3130xl Genetic Analyzer (AB). Among forensic samples, bones and teeth analyzed for autosomal STRs, we obtained successful results in all of them. Incomplete typing are represented by loci of higher molecular weight, which demonstrates the poor quality of the sample due to its state of degradation and obtained better results using mini STRs. Successful results in sequencing for mitochondrial HV1 region for all samples analyzed, but in few hair samples we obtained mixed sequences and that represented important difficulties for the analysis. Age of samples and conservation are factors related which affect DNA viability. Autosomal STRs solved all the samples analyzed in our study, but Y chromosome analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing are also important and necessary markers in some forensic cases.     

New alleles and mutational events at 14 STR loci from different German populations

The molecular origin of DNA mutations and the mutation rates were analyzed at 14 short tandem repeat (STR) loci with samples from trio cases derived from 10 different German population samples. STR loci comprised of D2S1360, D3S1744, D4S2366, D5S2500, D6S474, D7S1517, D8S1132, D10S2325, D12S391, D18S51, D19S246, D20S480, D21S226, and D22S689. In a total of 488 meioses, 16 isolated genetic inconsistencies in 8 different STRs were observed, whereas no mutations were found at the other loci. The data of five mutations suggested the presence of silent or null alleles due to sequence variation in primer binding site. This could be confirmed for four suspected cases by the use of alternative primer sets and by DNA sequence analyses. Furthermore, this study revealed nine new allelic variants at five different loci.     

Validation of nine non-CODIS STR loci for forensic use in a population from Central Poland

The D7S1517, D3S1744, D12S391, D2S1360, D6S474, D8S1132, D5S2500, D10S2325 and D4S236613 are STR loci potentially useful for forensic purposes whose analysis has recently become facilitated by availability of a commercial kit. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of these loci for forensic identification in a population of Central Poland. The distribution of alleles of the nine STRs was determined in sample of 353 unrelated individuals born in Central Poland and indices of forensic informativeness were calculated. The studied loci were highly informative and did not show departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. For the loci located on the same chromosomes (D2S1360, D3S1744 D4S2366, D5S2500, D7S1517, D8S1132, D12S391) as other loci commonly used for identification purposes (TPOX, D2S1338, D3S1358, FGA, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179 and D12S391) appropriate pairwise analysis of linkage disequilibrium was performed. In all cases no statistically significant deviation from independence was found. We conclude that the studied STRs are informative and, when necessary, can be used to extend the results obtained with other STRs commonly analyzed for identification purposes, in particular the CODIS set.