Estimation of the Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y-STR) mutation rates in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Background The Non-recombining region of the Y-chromosome (NRY) is transferred from father to son in an unchanged form without recombination in meiosis. Since Short tandem repeats on Y-chromosome (Y-STRs) in this region do not have any recombination, these regions are identical in all male individuals who are related to the father except for mutations. Therefore, these regions gain importance in identification for the forensic sciences or determination of paternity. In determination of paternity, if mismatches are observed between father and child, population-specific mutation rates should be used to determine whether it is a mutation or a true exclusion. Therefore in this study, we aim to determine the mutation rates of 17 Y-STR loci in Turkey. Material and methods 17 Y-STR loci were typed by using AmpFlSTR® Yfiler™ Kit in 90 volunteer father-son pairs. Mutation rates were calculated and compared with other populations. Results The mutations were found between three father-son pairs at DYS439 and DYS458 loci. In addition, a duplication in DYS389 II loci* 30, 31 was observed. The average mutation rate was determined as 1.96×10−3 for Turkish population. Conclusion This investigation will contribute to minimize the possibility of false exclusion of the father-son and kinship relations.