Validation of the Short Amplicon Multiplex Q8 Including the German DNA Database Systems*

Abstract: We have developed a concept to enable the analyzing of degraded stains with limited DNA template quantity. Therefore we have constructed a short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex including the German DNA database systems (Q8). The amplicon lengths are smaller than 280 bp. For the validation of Q8 over 50 degraded samples were investigated. Amplifications were performed with “low copy number” PCR, the number of PCR cycles was increased to 33 and the reaction volume was decreased to 12.5 μL. Compared with the MPX2 and Nonaplex kit, the average success rate was increased using the Q8 kit by approximately 20% and 30%, respectively. The efficiency of a sensitive STR multiplex with reduced amplicon lengths was confirmed in comparing the success rates of Q8 for typing degraded samples and samples with limited amount of DNA template while partial profiles were observed with the majority of the samples using commercially available kits.     

VWA基因座在一个三代家系发生的两次突变

目的探讨短串联重复序列遗传变异的方式。方法用Identifiler^TM试剂盒和DNATyper15^TM试剂盒进行检测,用变性聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳法对VWA基因座突变家系中3代父、母、子的DNA样本进行STR基因分型,将需测序的等位基因条带从凝胶上切下,再进行PCR扩增,产物经纯化后进行测序。结果此3代家系中Ⅱ-7、Ⅲ-8发生等位基因变异表现为一个重复单位的增加或减少。其中Ⅱ-7的一条发生突变的等位基因具体来源可知,Ⅲ-8的一条突变等位基因无法确定。结论本文中VWA基因座等位基因突变主要表现为一个重复单位的增加,没有碱基的插入或缺失,突变主要来自父亲,突变等位基因无TCTA（TCTG）3（TCTA）n、TCTA（TCTG）5-6（TCTA）n突变类型,均为TCTA（TCTG）4（TCTA）n型突变。     

Allele frequencies of 15 STR loci in the population of the city of Quito, Ecuador

POPULATION: Quito City population (Ecuador, South America, n = 116-207).     

Forensic STRs as potential disease markers: A study of VWA and von Willebrand's Disease

In recent years it has been established that non-coding variants may be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with coding variants up to several thousand base pairs away forming haplotype blocks. These non-coding markers may be haplotype specific and, therefore, informative regarding the surrounding coding sequence. In this study, we chose to study the VWA short tandem repeat (STR) as it is targeted in all major commercial kits utilized in routine forensic DNA profiling and is located in the von Willebrand Factor (vWF) gene; a gene associated with von Willebrand's Disease (vWD). We examined the VWA STR together with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located throughout the vWF gene to identify haplotype structures and the extent of LD between markers in the region. Several areas exhibiting LD were identified by population data analysis in the 178 kilobase (178kb) vWF gene, which was supported by family studies. However, there appeared to be no evidence of LD blocks surrounding the VWA STR and evidence for recombination within 3 kb of VWA, hence, it is unlikely that VWA STR alleles could be used to predict haplotypes within the vWF gene that are associated with different forms of vWD.     

Genetics and genomics of core short tandem repeat loci used in human identity testing

Over the past decade, the human identity testing community has settled on a set of core short tandem repeat (STR) loci that are widely used for DNA typing applications. A variety of commercial kits enable robust amplification of these core STR loci. A brief history is presented regarding the selection of core autosomal and Y-chromosomal STR markers. The physical location of each STR locus in the human genome is delineated and allele ranges and variants observed in human populations are summarized as are mutation rates observed from parentage testing. Internet resources for additional information on core STR loci are reviewed. Additional topics are also discussed, including potential linkage of STR loci to genetic disease-causing genes, probabilistic predictions of sample ethnicity, and desirable characteristics for additional STR loci that may be added in the future to the current core loci. These core STR loci, which form the basis for DNA databases worldwide, will continue to play an important role in forensic science for many years to come.