Features and Prospects of the Use of X-chromosomal Tandem Repeats in Forensic Molecular Genetic Examination

Abstract

When conducting molecular genetic examinations, biological specialists in Ukraine usually use kits for autosomal STR repeats and Y-chromosome repeats and do not use kits for X-chromosomal STR repeats at all. The research paper’s purpose is to analyze the literature data to determine the characteristics of the X chromosome, the possibilities of using X chromosome typing kits, and their implementation in the forensic practice of experts in molecular genetic examinations. The criteria for searching and STR loci are defined, the characteristics of commercial kits (in particular, Argus X-8 PCR Amplification Kit from Biotype AG and Investigator Argus X-12 QS Kit (Germany), X19 X-STRs amplification kit from AGCU ScienTech Inc. and 19X Direct ID system (China)) the directions of their use are considered. The data of scientific and methodological literature on the frequency of mutations, the prevalence of alleles in populations, and the prospects for creating a common database of X-STR repeats are studied. To achieve this goal, general and special methods were used, among which the main one is the structural genetic analysis and synthesis of X-chromosome research data from the standpoint of forensic genetics. The methods of formalizing the characteristics of commercial X-STR repeat kits and their comparative analysis, systematizing possible areas of STR repeat use taking into account the peculiarities of X chromosome inheritance, and generalizing population studies conducted in European countries were also used.