Multiplex PCR development of Y-chromosomal biallelic polymorphisms for forensic application

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of Y chromosome (Y-SNPs) are a class of markers of interest in forensic investigations, because many of them show regional specificity, providing useful information about the geographic origin of a subject or evidence under investigation. A first multiplex with 7 SNPs (M35, M89, M9, M170, M172, M45, M173), which occur in the basal branches of the phylogenetic tree and are able to assign a subject to known most frequent European haplogroups, was designed. SNP genotyping was accomplished by hot-start PCR with primers amplifying fragments between 96 and 136 nucleotides, minisequencing, and capillary electrophoresis of extension products. Ninety seven subjects of known geographic provenance were studied, of which 68 from Europe. Of these, 57 had mutations found more frequently in European haplogroups and 11 more frequent in Asian populations. Subjects from non-European countries were also examined and had haplogroups common in their regions of provenance. Experiments with low molecular weight DNA gave positive amplification from 1 ng of DNA for all seven SNPs.     

Development of multiplex PCRs for evolutionary and forensic applications of 37 human Y chromosome SNPs

This work describes an efficient and rapid test for typing 37 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the non-recombining region of Y chromosome (NRY) from a minimal amount of DNA using six PCR multiplexes. Markers were drawn following a hierarchical strategy based on the phylogenetic tree of Y chromosome proposed by the Y Chromosome Consortium [The Y Chromosome Consortium, A nomenclature system for the tree of human Y-chromosomal binary haplogroups, Genome Res. 12 (2002) 339-348]. Two multiplexes--arbitrarily named MY1 and MY2--were developed to explore the basal branches of the tree encompassing all the major clades A-R: MY1 for markers M35, M89, M172, M170, M9, M173, M45 and MY2 for markers M52, M216, M174, M181, M201, M91, M96, M214. Four multiplexes able of typing the more superficial branches typical of most frequent European haplogroups E3b, J2, R1 and I, were also developed and named MY-E3b (M78, M107, M224, M165, M148, M81), MY-J2 (M158, M68, M47, M102, M137, M67), MY-R1 (M17, M269, M18, P25, SRY10831.2) and MY-I (M72, M223, M26, M21, M161). SNP genotyping was carried out by hot-start PCR amplification with primers yielding fragments between 63 and 210 nucleotides, followed by minisequencing reaction based on dideoxy single-base extension and capillary electrophoresis of extension products. The sequential application of these multiplexes is a robust and effective resource for typing the most frequent European Y-SNP haplogroups, and appears to be suitable for forensic purposes and evolutionary studies.     

单核苷酸多态性与法医学DNA分型技术

单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphism,SNP)分型技术越来越成为法医学领域关注的热点,它在研究Y染色体或线粒体单倍型以及DNA表型的分析中具有重要应用价值。本文着重比较分析了SNP技术与片段长度多态性技术之间的优劣,同时就当前STR位点识别概率与所需选择的SNP位点数进行探讨。此外,本文还就各类SNP分型方法的优缺点及其法医学应用进行了论述。     

A 9-loci Y chromosome haplotype in three Italian populations

Three geographic areas of Italy have been sampled and genotyped for 9 Y chromosome STRs: DYS19, DYS385, DYS388, DYS389 I and II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393. Sampling was focused on residents of small areas, well distant from major urban centres. Only individuals whose grandfather would live in the same area were included. A total of 210 unrelated individuals were collected. Distribution of genetic variation across the three samples and comparison with previously published Italian database indicated that so far Y chromosome diversity has been only partially explored in the Italian Peninsula.     

SNPs in forensic genetics: a review on SNP typing methodologies

There is an increasing interest in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing in the forensic field, not only for the usefulness of SNPs for defining Y chromosome or mtDNA haplogroups or for analyzing the geographical origin of samples, but also for the potential applications of autosomal SNPs. The interest of forensic researchers in autosomal SNPs has been attracted due to the potential advantages in paternity testing because of the low mutation rates and specially in the analysis of degraded samples by use of short amplicons. New SNP genotyping methods, chemistries and platforms are continuously being developed and it is often difficult to be keeping up to date and to decide on the best technology options available. This review offers to the reader a state of the art of SNP genotyping technologies with the advantages and disadvantages of the different chemistries and platforms for different forensic requirements.     

The human Y chromosome: function, evolution and disease

The human Y chromosome is strictly paternally inherited and, in most of its length, does not recombine during male meiosis. These features make the Y a very useful genetic marker for different purposes. In the last decade, the Y has been increasingly used to investigate the evolution, migrations and range expansions of modern humans. The possibility to construct highly informative Y chromosome haplotypes has also had a significant impact in forensic studies and paternity testing. All these studies assume that the Y chromosome markers used are selectively neutral. However, recent experimental and statistical analyses suggest that both positive and negative selection are acting on the Y chromosome and, consequently, may influence Y chromosome haplotype distribution in the general population. Current data suggest that the effects of selection on patterns of Y chromosome distribution are minimal, however as interest focuses on biological functions of the Y chromosome which have a major impact on male fitness such as fertility, these assumptions may be challenged. This review briefly describes the genes and biological functions of the human Y chromosome and its use in disentangling the origin and history of human populations. An overview of the role of selection acting on the Y chromosome from the perspective of human population histories and disease is given.     

Y-SNPs analysis using two different approaches in a Northern Portugal male population sample

The non-recombining portion of the human Y (NRY) chromosome has various types of variation, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). In spite of their low discrimination power, they provide a powerful and simple exclusion tool for forensic purposes. A special advantage of SNPs is that it can potentially detect smaller DNA fragments (analysis of degraded DNA).The aim of this work consisted in the analysis of a group of SNP polymorphisms (M2, M9, M35, M89, M45, M170, M172, M173, M207 and P25) in a Northern Portugal male population sample, which allows the determination of the most common European haplogroups, including the Northern Portugal ones.The method used for typing these polymorphisms was the real-time PCR with TaqMan probes on the ABI 7000 platform (Applied Biosystems).We had some difficulties in typing some of the markers using this approach. However, the preliminary results obtained for the defined haplogroups are in accordance with those described in close European populations. To confirm the typing and solve the doubts that emerged from the real-time approach, the samples were also typed using SNapShot.     

SNP分型方法及在法医学等领域的应用

随着单倍型图的产生,SNP越来越受到关注。不仅仅在Y染色体和线粒体,常染色体和X染色体上的SNPs的应用潜能也将被发现。SNPs具有比较低的突变率和适合于降解DNA分析的特点,在法医学领域也受到关注。本文综合介绍了SNPs和X-SNPs的一般特性、分型方法及其在法医学的应用。     

Y chromosome SNP analysis in a Portuguese population sample using a multiplex PCR and minisequencing strategy

The study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on the Y chromosome specific region Y-SNPs (92R7, M70, M22, Tat, P25, SRY10831, M173, M213 and M9) was used to characterize a population sample from Central Portugal, in order to investigate the frequency distribution of the male lineages and to compare the observed results with those obtained in other Portuguese regions.The genotyping strategy was according to the described by Brion et al. [M. Brion, et al., Int. J. Legal Med. 119 (2004) 10-15].In this population sample from Central Portugal a typical Western European haplogroup composition was found. The majority of samples (almost 70%) were assigned inside haplogroup R. As for other Iberian populations, the most frequent haplogroup was R1b-P25 (52.2%), followed by F(xK)-M213 (15.2%), E-B-SRY10831.1, R1(xR1a,b)-M173 and R1a-SRY10831.2 (each of them with a 8.7% frequency), K2-M70 (4.3%) and L-M22 (2.2%). When comparing our sample with other samples from Portugal, no significant differences were found.     

Y染色体SNPs及其在法医学中的应用

Y-SNPs综合了Y染色体和SNPs的特点,具有男性特异性,突变率低,日益引起法医学工作者的关注。本文综合介绍了Y-SNPs的特性、单体群的命名规范及在法医学中的应用价值。     

47个SNPs复合检测方法的建立及其法医学应用

目的建立47-plexSNPs复合检测方法，评价其在法医学中的应用价值。方法筛选46个常染色体SNPs和1个Y—SNPs，使用2个检测体系分别对47个SNPs进行单管内复合PCR扩增，采用荧光标记单碱基延伸法和毛细管电泳检测技术进行分型检测；并用建立的方法对260份广东地区无关个体血样进行47个SNPs分型。结果建立的47-plex SNPs的复合检测体系灵敏度高，种属特异性好；260名个体所有SNPs均能准确分型，群体内基因型频率分布均符合Hardy—Weinberg平衡，累积个人识别率大于0．9999，累积非父排除率为0．99982，累积偶合率为6．24×10一。结论本文47-plex SNPs复合检测方法能同时对47个SNPs进行快速、准确的检测，在法医学个体识别鉴定中具有良好的应用前景。     

Y chromosome haplotypes in Central-South Italy: implication for reference database

One hundred and fifty individuals have been sampled across Central-South Italy and genotyped for Y chromosome STRs by PowerPlex Y system. Comparison with previous Italian databases revealed that majority of Y chromosome variation still need to be sampled. Identification of locus duplications, distribution of genetic variation and firstly identified alleles point to the necessity of more focused sampling strategies for reference databases.     

Forensic application of Y chromosome SNPs in inconclusive cases

Biallelic markers, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), are nowadays a powerful tool in the analysis of degraded samples. Namely, Y chromosome SNPs allow to determine the gender of the analyzed sample and to establish its haplogroup, making possible to attribute the ethnicity of male individuals. The aim of this study is to obtain Y-SNPs in forensic samples without STRs results, checking methodologies previously used.     

Y染色体STR基因座的研究进展

人类Y染色体STR基因座作为一个特殊的遗传标记以其独特的优势在法医学实践中发挥着重要作用。本文就Y染色体STR基因座的相关理论和研究动态等进行综合评述,为Y染色体STR基因座在法医学中的应用进行有益的探索。     

武汉汉族8个Y染色体双等位基因标记遗传多态性

目的筛选汉族群体中具有多态性的Y染色体双等位基因标记并研究其等位基因及单体群频率分布, 为法医学应用和群体进化研究提供基础数据。方法采用片段长度差异等位基因特异性PCR和PAGE技术对武汉地区160名男性汉族无关个体的8个Y染色体双等位基因标记(M9、M89、M111、M119、M122、M134、IMS-JST003305 和SRY+465)进行分型。结果 8个双等位基因标记在武汉汉族群体中均具有遗传多态性,其基因多样性(GD)范围为 0．0126-0．4830,共检出9种不同单体群(Hg1～9),其单体群多样性(HD)为0．7776。结论 8个Y染色体双等位基因标记组成的单体群在法医学应用和群体进化研究中具有一定的实用价值,可作为Y-STRs标记的有效补充。     

Effectiveness of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms to Investigate Cattle Rustling

Short tandem repeats (STR)s have been the eligible markers for forensic animal genetics, despite single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)s became acceptable. The technology, the type, and amount of markers could limit the investigation in degraded forensic samples. The performance of a 32‐SNP panel genotyped through OpenArrays^TM (real‐time PCR based) was evaluated to resolve cattle‐specific forensic cases. DNA from different biological sources was used, including samples from an alleged instance of cattle rustling. SNPs and STRs performance and repeatability were compared. SNP call rate was variable among sample type (average = 80.18%), while forensic samples showed the lowest value (70.94%). The repeatability obtained (98.7%) supports the used technology. SNPs had better call rates than STRs in 12 of 20 casework samples, while forensic index values were similar for both panels. In conclusion, the 32‐SNPs used are as informative as the standard bovine STR battery and hence are suitable to resolve cattle rustling investigations.     

“YFlag” – A Single‐base Extension Primer Based Method for Gender Determination

Assigning the gender of a DNA contributor in forensic analysis is typically achieved using the amelogenin test. Occasionally, this test produces false‐positive results due to deletions occurring on the Y chromosome. Here, a four‐marker “YFlag” method is presented to infer gender using single‐base extension primers to flag the presence (or absence) of Y‐chromosome DNA within a sample to supplement forensic STR profiling. This method offers built‐in redundancy, with a single marker being sufficient to detect the presence of male DNA. In a study using 30 male and 30 female individuals, detection of male DNA was achieved with c. 0.03 ng of male DNA. All four markers were present in male/female mixture samples despite the presence of excessive female DNA. In summary, the YFlag system offers a method that is reproducible, specific, and sensitive, making it suitable for forensic use to detect male DNA.     

二代测序技术在Y染色体遗传标记分型中的法医学应用

法医遗传学领域常利用Y染色体的父系遗传特点,对非重组区遗传标记进行检测并用于亲缘关系鉴定、混合斑检测、家系排查以及种族推断等研究。目前毛细管电泳仍是应用最为广泛的检测技术,基于该技术的商业化检测试剂盒及数据分析处理系统十分成熟。随着生物信息量的增长,传统检测技术通量低的弊端逐渐显现,推动了法医DNA分型技术的革新。近年来,二代测序(next generation sequencing,NGS)技术发展迅速,其应用已被推广到包括法医遗传学在内的各领域,为Y染色体遗传标记的检测提供了新的技术手段。本文就NGS技术应用于法医学Y染色体遗传标记检测的研究现况和应用前景进行阐述,以期为后续司法实务提供新思路。     

单核苷酸多态性及其检测方法

单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs),作为第三代遗传标记,已经广泛应用于基因作图、遗传性和遗传相关性疾病的诊断、群体遗传学、药学研究和法医学等领域。SNP的检测方法多种多样,本文简要介绍SNP的特点和几种检测方法。     

荧光标记的ASP-PCR法对ABO基因分型的研究

目的建立一种方便准确的ABO基因分型检验方法。方法选取ABO基因外显子6和7上的3个位点nt261、nt297和nt803,分别对第6和7外显子进行扩增,并对扩增产物进行测序得出样本的基因型;然后用荧光标记的等位基因特异性引物对已知基因型的样本进行扩增,并用3130遗传分析仪进行电泳分析。结果该方法检出的基因型与测序得出的基因型完全一致。结论等位基因特异性引物法分型结果准确,特异性高,可用于法医学中对犯罪嫌疑人的筛查。