STR Typing and Available Kits

Abstract

This chapter describes a time-scale development of short tandem repeats (STRs) and STR-based DNA technology used in forensic DNA analysis. The text describes the subsequent advancements in the development of the STR multiplex systems. This sequential development in STR-based multiplex systems has increased efficiency, sensitivity, and inhibitor tolerance with improved buffers. The development of different variants of STR-based multiplex systems utilizing different variants including autosomal, mini-, Y-, and X-STRs has increased the flexibility and ease of the forensic DNA analyst. With the availability of genetic analyzers, utilizing sixth dye has created new possibilities toward availability of expanded STR multiplex without affecting the requirement of input DNA for PCR. Rapid PCR and application of next-generation sequencing are also discussed along with the already validated capillary electrophoresis technology.