DNA profiling for forensic identification in Bulgarian Turks

Abstract

Forensic statistical parameters based on allelic frequencies of commonly used STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) were estimated for the Bulgarian Turks. The 6-dye GlobalFiler™ PCR amplification kit incorporates 21 autosomal STRs, providing reliable DNA typing results with enhanced the power of discrimination. Here, we analyzed the GlobalFiler™ STR loci in 150 unrelated individuals from Bulgaria Turks who was born in Bulgaria, lived there and then have settled in Turkey. A total of 329 alleles were observed ranging between 5 and 37 repeat units, and SE33 showed the greatest power of discrimination (40 alleles) in Bulgaria Turks population. Blood and intraoral swab samples were collected from 150 Bulgarian Turks whose consent was obtained beforehand. DNA isolation was performed by using QIamp DNA Mini Isolation Kit. After quantification of the obtained DNA, the next step, PCR, was carried out using the GlobalFiler ™ STR kit. The DNA amplified after PCR was analyzed for profiling by running on ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Allele frequencies and forensic statistical calculations were performed with Arlequin v 3.5.2.2 program. Allele frequencies were compared with Spain, Europe, Middle East, Africa, America, Central Asia, Japan, and Turkish populations. When the loci were examined in general, it was observed that the Turkish population had the closest frequency value to the group we studied, and the African and Central Asian populations had the farthest frequency value. The present study provides precise reference database for forensic applications and population genetic studies.