Loci TH01 Research Articles

Desain Mini Primer STR Lokus TH01 dan D21S11 untuk Amplifikasi DNA Darah Terpapar Suhu Tinggi

DNA identification has an important role in forensics to investigate a case. However, the problem that is often encountered is that the DNA found is difficult to analyze because the amount is relatively small and degraded. An alternative used in DNA examination is to design mini primers for amplification. Mini primers can produce DNA profiles even in samples that have very low quantity and quality. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of mini primers for amplification of TH01 and D21S11 loci in DNA exposed to high temperatures. In addition, to determine the effect of high temperature exposure on DNA quality and quantity. The samples used were 3 ml of human blood treated with 100, 150, and 200ºC for 10, 20, and 30 minutes. The method used was PCR amplification using mini primers TH01 and D21S11 loci. Quantity data were analyzed by a parametric test using the Two Way Anova method. Meanwhile, DNA quality was tested by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that temperature treatment affected the quantity and quality of DNA. The TH01 locus in DNA samples treated with high temperature can be amplified using primer pairs MP1FTH01 and MP1RTH01. At the D21S11 locus, the use of primers 1 and 2 can be combined to identify DNA samples with high temperature treatment

Characterization of DNA Quality, TPOX Locus, TH01 Locus in Seawater Soaked Nails in Forensic Identification

Forensic science is multiplying. One of them is the identification of events at sea. Of course, the victim’s body can be submerged in seawater for days so that components in seawater can affect the victim’s body. This research aimed to see the effect of storage time on the level and purity of DNA in nail samples. Identification of nail DNA using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. The DNA purity test examines nail samples using a spectrophotometer read at 260 and 280 nm wavelengths. Measurement of DNA levels using the PCR instrument on the STR TPOX locus, the result was 32.02 ug/uL on positive control, 36.73 ug/uL in seawater immersion on the 2nd day, 35.35 ug/uL in seawater immersion on the 7th day, and 34.5 ug/uL in seawater immersion on the 20th day. At the STR TH01 locus, the result was 32.155 ug/uL on positive control, 38.05 ug/uL on the 2nd day of immersion in seawater, 35.18 ug/uL on the 7th day, and 33.88 ug/uL on the 20th day. Results Examination of the Total Plate Number of seawater on the 2nd day, 7th day, and 20th day of immersion found no colonies of germ colony growth. This study obtained sufficient DNA purity from the 2nd day, 7th day and 20th day. So that the samples could be analyzed for DNA levels, the result obtained from the study showed a decrease in DNA levels at the TPOX Locus and TH01 Locus from the 2nd day, 7th day, and 20th day.

Allelic frequencies of 22 short tandem repeats loci and tri-allelic patterns of Penta D and TPOX identified in Gabonese population

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are repeating DNA sequences used in forensic human identity testing and the diagnosis of aneuploidies. Many STRs like Penta D and TPOX are used routinely for paternity tests, but these tests are not widely used in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study we recruited individuals from Gabonese families seeking a paternity test. After DNA extraction from buccal swabs, we genotyped samples using a panel of 22 STRs. A total of 115 unrelated subjects from 39 families were included. Allele frequencies of the 22 STR loci were determined in unrelated Gabonese subjects. The most polymorphic loci were D21S11 (16 alleles) and FGA (17 alleles), while D3S1358 and TH01 loci were less polymorphic, with five alleles each. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed for TPOX, D3S1358, CSFPO and D7S820 loci. We reported tri-allelic patterns that indicate aneuploidies at a combined frequency of 4% (4/115) with 3% for Penta D (1/35) and 3% for TPOX (3/102). Furthermore, we identified a new tri-allelic genotype 5-8-16 for the Penta D locus located on chromosome 21 in a healthy subject. In addition, we observed three tri-allelic variants of TPOX, located on chromosome 2, in healthy subjects, namely 8-10-11, 8-9-10, and 8-8-10. Our study revealed unsuspected polymorphic variations in Penta D and TPOX for the first time in Gabon, raising several questions about chromosomal disorders. Further population genetics studies are needed in Gabon to better characterize these variations, both qualitatively and quantitative.

Amplification of vWA, FGA, and TH01 loci of DNA Samples Isolated From Ring Stored at Room Temperature

Introduction: Acts of criminal behaviour that occur have various modes and motives. Also, criminals always try to hide or eliminate evidence at the crime scene. In most cases, police or forensic experts often find DNA on items at the crime scene. One of these items is a ring, which is an item that humans often wear. Methods: This study used 24 samples of rings that had been worn for 8 hours and were incubated at room temperature. All these 24 samples then were distinguished into 4 groups, in which each group was consisting of 6 samples and incubated for 0, 1, 3, and 7-days. DNA identification was then carried out using UV spectrometer for DNA quantification and DNAzol method for DNA extraction. Results: The mean result of DNA quantification on day 0 (control) was 1020,833 ± 0.28903 ng/μL, day 1 was 546 ± 0.093569 ng/μL, day 3 was 1066.333 ± 0.117372 ng/μL, and day 7 was 1054.083 ± 0.070733 ng/μL. PCR process used STR primers with loci vWA, FGA, and TH01 and visualization used the silver nitrate method. Conclusion: The final results showed that all samples could be amplified using 3 STR loci, namely vWA, FGA, and TH01.

Rapid and Sensitive Human-Specific DNA Quantitation Using a Microfluidic Amplification Module at the Point-of-Care.

A rapid microfluidic human-specific DNA quantitation assay module was developed for chip-based amplification of the human TH01 and Alu loci in the presence of PicoGreen. The method makes use of the thermal cycler and 488 nm Solid State laser-based optical train that are components of the fully-integrated, sample-in to results out, ANDE Rapid Nucleic Acid Analysis system. The assay was effective in quantitating human DNA from a variety of sample types, including blood, buccal, and forensic touch samples mixed with varying amounts of non-human DNA. The 28-cycle TH01 and 10-cycle Alu reactions were completed in 18 minutes and 7 minutes, respectively. The observed limit of detection (LOD) of the assay is approximately 0.3 ng, and the flexibility of assay design allows an LOD of as little as 0.005 femtograms.Clinical Relevance-We have developed a fully-integrated, sample-in to results-out, Rapid Nucleic Acid Analysis system that characterizes nucleic acid fragments (whether generated by PCR, rt-PCR, sequencing, or SNP reactions) by electrophoresis in plastic microfluidic channels. Here we describe the development, characterization, and validation of the microfluidic quantitation module. The quantitation module is the first that can be incorporated into integrated microfluidic workflows for the analysis of highly-multiplexed clinical diagnostic assays interrogating hundreds of genomic targets in a single sample. In particular, the use of a microfluidic quantitation module allows reaction volumes, thermal cycling conditions, and electrophoretic injection protocols to be determined based on nucleic acid content during and throughout fully-automated processing-dramatically enhancing the power of the fully-automated diagnostic system.

Effect of Storage Time on DNA Content and Purity in Lip Print

Forensic experts in uncovering the truth of a case must go through identification, documentation, and collection of evidence. Sometimes at a crime scene, lip prints are found on the surface of an object such as the mouth of a plastic bottle. Lip print research on plastic bottle mouths was carried out for 1, 3 and 7 days. There are 21 samples with details of 3 as controls, 6 samples for the first day, 6 samples for the 3rd day, and 6 samples for the 7th day. DNA extraction using DNAzol, quantification using UV spectrophotometer, and DNA amplification using STR primers, namely TPOX and TH01 loci. For DNA visualization using acrylamide gel. The average results of lip print DNA levels for 1, 3, and 7 days were 369.82 g/ml, 550.72 g/ml, 318.02 g/ml. The average yield of lip print DNA purity for 1, 3, and 7 days was 1.79; 1.78 and 1.79. From the results of DNA quantification, the lowest and highest DNA levels were taken on days 1, 3, and 7. Of the 6 samples and 3 controls amplified using the TPOX and TH01 loci, the results were clearly visible on the acrylamide gel band.

DNA Polymorphism of 13 Autosomal Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Loci in Mentawai Populations.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Indonesia consists of various ethnic groups with diverse cultures. However, research on allele frequencies and genetic variations of each ethnic group in Indonesia has not been well established. Therefore, a study was conducted on 13 STR loci panels to analyze the mentawai population as an enhancement of the Indonesian population's genetic data library and genetic variation. Mentawai is one of the Indonesian tribes who live on Mentawai Island, West Sumatera. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The PrepFiler kit to extract DNA from blood and the GlobalFiler kit for amplifying the 13 loci were used. The genetic analyzer ABI PRISM 3500 was used to detect PCR products. Data were processed and analyzed by EasyDNA and FORSTAT software. <b>Results:</b> The allele frequency data for 13 autosomal loci in Mentawai populations were obtained. Expected heterozygosity was found with a minimum of 0.607 for TPOX and a maximum of 0.866 for FGA. Power of discrimination (PD) values ranges from TPOX (0.792) to FGA (0.968). Polymorphic information content (PIC) values for all loci were high, ranging from 0.642 for TPOX to 0.921 for vWA. Three off-ladder alleles in these findings were detected. Allele 6.3 at the TH01 loci and allele 14.2 at the D18S51 loci are exquisite. The mean expected heterozygosity and mean power of discrimination value across the 13 loci were 75.9 and 90.1%, indicating striking gene diversity. <b>Conclusion:</b> These 13 STR loci can be used for population genetic studies and forensic identification.

Allele Frequencies and Forensic Statistical Parameters for 21 Autosomal Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) loci in Northern Thai Population

Background: Although the genetic information of STRs has been established over the entire world, the differentcharacteristics between populations influenced the STRs information. FBI’s guideline recommended to expandadditional number of STRs loci to increase power of discrimination and exclusion. Unfortunately, the currentdata of STRs in northern Thai population have not fully covered additional loci. The aim of this study is to obtainaccurate allele frequencies of STRs among northern Thai population.Methods: The genetic profiles ofunrelated individuals were characterized by Investigator 24 plex Go kit. Allelefrequencies and forensic statistical parameters were calculated within GenoProof®3and Arlequin ver 3.5.2.2.Results: The SE33 and TH01 loci represented largest and lowest number of different alleles, respectively. Therewas no significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni correction in all loci(p=0.002). The SE33 locus showed the greatest PD and PE, whereas the TPOX represented the lowest PD and PE.The studied population (northern Thai) appear to be most closely related to previously reported populationscontaining of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese based on allele frequency.Conclusion: Our results recommended that current autosomal STRs data extended the application of STRs typingin parentage analyses and human identification among the localized population in northern region of Thailanddue to highly informative polymorphic data.

Genetic Analysis of TPOX, CSF1PO, D3S1358, D8S1179, vWA, D5S818, and TH01 Short Tandem Repeats Loci in Nias Population, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Nias is an island located off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Nias is situated above the Eurasian and Indo-Australian subduction zone plates. This makes it prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Genetic analysis and genetic variation of short tandem repeats (STR) locus are not widely known. These data are valuable for individual identification and paternity testing. METHODS: Seven STR loci (TPOX, CSF1PO, D3S1358, D8S1179, vWA, D5S818, and TH01) were analyzed using 25 healthy and unrelated persons Nias population. Allele frequency, power of discrimination (PD), expected heterozygosity, and probability of exclusion (PE) were calculated. RESULTS: We found 40 alleles. The allele with highest frequency was alleles 9 at the TH01 loci. While the lowest frequency were allele 9 at the CSF1PO loci, allele 12 at the TPOX loci, alleles 17 and 18 at the D8S1179 loci, and alleles 16 and 20 at the vWA loci. The highest Expected Heterozygosity, PD, and PE at the D8S1179 loci. The highest number of alleles is also at D8S1179 loci. All loci followed the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). The PD values for all tested loci ranged from 80.6 to 94.5%. CONCLUSION: We report the allele frequencies and forensic statistical parameters of seven STR loci (TPOX, CSF1PO, D3S1358, D8S1179, vWA, D5S818, and TH01) in the Nias population, which can be used as a forensic database reference for Nias populations.

Carrier RNA (cRNA) Enhances dsDNA Recovery Extracted from Small Volume Spent Embryo Culture Medium

Embryo spent culture medium has been intensively investigated, considering its promising feature for non-invasive bioanalytical techniques in in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite, isolating DNA from such samples is quite challenging due to its small volume. Carrier RNA is reported to exhibit DNA retrieval effects and commonly employed in various limited biological samples, but there are no reports regarding its benefit on embryo media. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the competence of cRNA on isolated DNA from embryo medium and analyzed its optimal volume as there are also no records respecting its ideal volume to obtain decent outcomes. Results showed that cRNA significantly increases DNA amounts in the cRNA treated group (p<0.001), but the D-4/D-5 medium yielded similar (p=0.684). Pearson test demonstrated no correlation between cRNA volume vs. total retrieved DNA (r=0.760, p=0.80), and Whole Genome Amplification (WGA) was shown to increase DNA in the treated group (p=0.022), but not in the untreated group (p=0.128). Additionally, electrophoresis successfully resulting in a thick and thin band of TH01 locus signifies the cRNA competence. In conclusion, our study suggests that cRNA addition is essential in embryo medium extraction as it increases initial DNA that crucial for downstream application. However, the optimal volume could not be determined in the current study since the initial amount of DNA in the medium is unknown. Obtained findings are expected to be a new input for subsequent research on DNA extraction.

Analysis of allele frequencies of the selected 15 autosomal STR markers in Tikrit population – Iraq with comparison to Middle Eastern, African, and Europeans

Short tandem repeats (STRs) have been recommended as the highest polymorphic loci among the humana DNA regions. Therefore, STRs are agreeable to many genetic fields like forensic, population genetics and anthropological studies. The main aim of this research is to evaluate the autosomal STRs in Tikrit city-Iraq, to expand the human genetics database and forensic genetics analysis. The DNA database was obtained from 306 unrelated volunteers from native Tikrit population-Iraq, using 15 autosomal STR loci. The current study determined the allele frequencies in the Tikrit population and then compared them with other national Iraqi populations as well as with populations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The highest level of heterozygosity was observed in D8S1179 and TH01 loci (0.797), while the less level was shown by CSF1PO (0.48). The departure from HWE Equilibrium was recorded in only 3 STR loci from a total of 15 loci analyzed (p<0.003). The Combined Match Probability (CMP) for 15 autosomal STR was 1 in 7.89208×10-19 and the Combined Discrimination Power (CDP) was 0.9999999997. The discrimination power (DP) was especially high in D2S1338, D18S51, D19S433 and D21S11. Based on the results observed in a Dendrogram, Tikrit population was clustered with other populations, likely reflecting the historical and geographical factors. D2S1338, D18S51, D19S433 and D21S11 markers were recognized as suitable for forensic genetics analysis in Tikrit population. Also, the 15 STRs markers provide information for the studies of genetic distances between the current study and other included populations to be compared with this study.

Identification of DNA Corpse in Ordo Diptera Familia Calliphoridae Larvae in CSF1PO, TH01, and TPOX Locus Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Methods

Introduction: Biomolecular techniques using DNA are known to have high accuracy in the identification ofdecaying bodies. In the process of identification, larvae found in corpses that have undergone decay can beused as alternative biological evidence to estimate the time of death.Aim: To identify the transfer of body DNA to the larvae of the fly ordo Diptera family Calliphoridae and theprocess of DNA transfer of decomposed bodies.Method: blood from the postmortem corpse was taken as a control, then soft tissue was taken as adecomposition product for the breeding of Dipdo family Calliphoridae larvae. The protocol used is DNAprofiling using the Short Tandem Repeat (STR) locus such as CSF1PO, TH01, and TPOX. The results ofDNA extraction from the postmortem body and DNA extraction results obtained from the skin of the larvaeand the digestive system of the larvae are then matched.Result: The results of this study found that there was DNA transfer in larvae proved by the matching ofDNA at the STR loci on the skin and the digestive system of larvae with the STR locus in blood taken fromthe postmortem bodyConclusion: the presence of decomposed corpse DNA decomposition to the larvae of members of the ordercalled Calliphorideae family which can be detected through the results of nuclear DNA visualization at theCSF1PO, TPOX, and TH01 loci using the PCR method

THE USE OF KINSHIP ANALYSIS ON PATERNITY TESTING THROUGH CODIS STR LOCI ‘CSF1PO’ AND ‘THO1’

Introduction: Paternity tests compare a child’s DNA pattern with the possible father to examine the DNA heritage in ensuring kinship. If there is no information from the father and mother or the child that can be used as a comparison in the forensic DNA examination process (paternity test), there must be a comparison from a close relative as an alternative to obtain the forensic DNA examination. This experiment’s purpose is to analyze the use of kinship analysis in forensic identification especially in a paternity test. Methods: This is a descriptive experiment using a cross-sectional design through locus analysis of DNA forensic examination in paternity test using the kinship analysis through STR CODIS loci: CSF1PO and THO1. The variables of this experiment were ‘locus’ as the independent variable and ‘allele number’ as the dependent variable. This experiment conducted a paternity tests to 8 samples in which the subjects were siblings; the test was administered on the CSF1PO and TH01 loci. Results: This experiment displayed similar allele numbers on the same locus, both in 50% and 100% allele numbers; the research showed similarity in allele numbers of both siblings of which ¼ were inherited from the parents (for 50% allele number similarity), and ½ were inherited from the parents (for 100% allele number similarity). Conclusion: This proves that a paternity test using siblings as the closest kin (kinship analysis) can be used as an alternative if no comparison is obtained from both the parents.

Slippage mutation rates in 15 autosomal short tandem repeat loci for forensic purposes in a Southeastern Brazilian population.

Well-defined estimates of mutation rates in highly polymorphic tetranucleotide STR loci are a prerequisite for human identification in genetics laboratory routines useful for civil and criminal investigations. Studying 15 autosomal STR loci of forensic interest (CSF1PO, D2S1338, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11, FGA, TH01, TPOX, and vWA), we detected 193 slippage mutations (189 one-step and four two-step mutations) in 148875 parent-child allelic transfers from 5171 paternity cases with true biological relationship (15096 individuals; 4754 trios and 417 duos; 9925 meiosis) from the state of São Paulo, a very representative population of Brazil. The overall mutation rate was 1.3×10-3 and the highest rates were observed at loci vWA (2.8×10-3 ), FGA and D18S51 (2.7×10-3 for both), while loci TH01 and TPOX did not present any mutations. The mean slippage mutation rate of paternal origin (1.8×10-3 ) was six times higher than that observed for maternal origin (0.3×10-3 ).

Paternal uniparental isodisomy of tyrosine hydroxylase locus at chromosome 11p15.4: spectrum of phenotypical presentations simulating hydatidiform moles

Uniparental disomy is an abnormal genetic condition in which both homologous chromosomes or part of the chromosome are inherited from one parent and the other parent's homologous chromosome is lost. We report three cases of gestations with paternal uniparental isodisomy at tyrosine hydroxylase or TH01 locus on chromosome 11p15.4 identified by DNA genotyping. The patients' age ranged from 32 to 35 years and all patients presented with missed abortion during the first trimester. Abnormal chorionic villi were seen in all cases with histomorphological and/or p57 immunohistochemical features simulating either partial or complete mole. While two patients had an uneventful clinical course, one patient presented with clinical complications simulating persistent gestational trophoblastic disease/neoplasia that required multiagent chemotherapy with etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide (EMA-CO). In summary, paternal uniparental isodisomy of tyrosine hydroxylase locus at chromosome 11p15.4 may result in an abnormal gestation that simulates a hydatidiform mole both clinically and histologically. The presence of abnormal trophoblastic proliferation combined with loss of p57 expression in villous cytotrophoblast and stromal cells may be associated with an aggressive clinical behavior.

A novel allele frequency trajectories template to discriminate genetic similarity among populations

Populations' allele frequency studies are one of the major topics of Population genetics. In this research, an Allele Frequency Quality Control System (AFQCS) is proposed as a verification tool for populations' genetics data. This system visualizes and analyses statistically the allele frequencies of 15 Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) autosomal loci based on 65 previously published population genetics studies. Allele Frequency Trajectories (AFTs) for all addressed populations were plotted. The AFTs showed a distinct trend for each locus, which was used to build a global reference template for these loci. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient Matrices (CCM) generated for each locus were used to calculate different statistical parameters to assess the genetic populations' relationships, such as histogram, median, interquartile range, and p-value.P-values and interquartile ranges supported the visualization results by indicating the presence of a global AFT pattern for each locus. The novel developed AFTs template illuminates the idea of the first quality control system for testing new datasets, based on the high genetic similarity among populations. From CCMs statistical results, wide spectrums recorded in loci TH01, D13S317, D2S1338, D18S51, and FGA indicate significant populations' genetics heterogeneity.

Analysis of allelic drop-out at autosomal short tandem repeat loci in composite amplification

Objective To investigate the characteristics and causes of allelic drop-out at the autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci, and to explore the confirmation strategy of suspected mutations at the STR loci alleles in paternity. Methods From January to June 2017, nine family members from 3 families of three-banded patterns at Shenzhen Blood Center were selected as subjects. Subject inclusion criteria: subjects′ initial test results of the STR loci alleles did not conform to the Mendels laws of genetics, which were suspected allelic drop-out at STR loci. GlobalFiler™ Express kits from ABI, USA were initially used to detect genotype of 21 autosomal STR loci alleles from all blood spot samples. All blood spot samples suspected for having allelic drop-out were verified with the PowerPlex® 21 kits from Promega, USA. Supplemental experiment was used human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A/-B/-C/-DR/-DQB1 loci genotype test results with PCR-sequence-based typing (SBT) method, and then the haplotype of the subjects was deduced by the family analysis to complete the individual identification verification. This study met the requirements of World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki revised in 2013. Informed consent was obtained from every subject. Results ① In this study, the allelic drop-out in 6 subjects occurred in 3 STR loci of CSF1PO, D1S165 and TH01, respectively, and the number of mutation steps were different. These allelic drop-out could be either paternal or maternal. ② In family 1, the initial test result of CSF1PO locus was homozygous in both mother and child. The verification test result of CSF1PO locus was heterozygous, and allelic drop 10-locus were confirmed. ③ In family 2, the initial test result of D1S165 locus was homozygous in both child and father. The verification test result of D1S165 locus was heterozygous, and allelic drop-out 16-locus was confirmed. ④ In family 3, the initial test result of TH01 locus was homozygous in both the mother and child. The verification test result of TH01 locus was heterozygous, and allelic drop-out 9-locus was confirmed. ⑤ Twelve HLA-A/-B/-C/-DRB1/-DQB1 loci haplotypes were detected in the DNA samples of 9 subjects, and the HLA locus haplotypes were detected in accordance with Mendels laws of genetics. Conclusions For the suspected STR allelic mutations in STR composite amplification, a single test has the possibility of allelic drop-out risk. Different kits could be used to verify the authenticity of allele mutations, and more reliable results could be obtained. Key words: Loss of heterozygosity; Alleles; Tandem repeat sequences; HLA antigens; Paternity

Flanking Variation Influences Rates of Stutter in Simple Repeats.

It has been posited that the longest uninterrupted stretch (LUS) of tandem repeats, as defined by the number of exactly matching repeating motif units, is a better predictor of rates of stutter than the parental allele length (PAL). While there are cases where this hypothesis is likely correct, such as the 9.3 allele in the TH01 locus, there can be situations where it may not apply as well. For example, the PAL may capture flanking indel variations while remaining insensitive to polymorphisms in the repeat, and these haplotypic changes may impact the stutter rate. To address this, rates of stutter were contrasted against the LUS as well as the PAL on different flanking haplotypic backgrounds. This study shows that rates of stutter can vary substantially depending on the flanking haplotype, and while there are cases where the LUS is a better predictor of stutter than the PAL, examples to the contrary are apparent in commonly assayed forensic markers. Further, flanking variation that is 7 bp from the repeat region can impact rates of stutter. These findings suggest that non-proximal effects, such as DNA secondary structure, may be impacting the rates of stutter in common forensic short tandem repeat markers.

Mutation rates at 17 STR loci in the Belarusian population

Autosomal loci with short tandem repeats (STR) are widely used for the human identification. Knowledge about the locus-specific mutation rates of STRs improves forensic probability calculations for the correct interpretation of diversity data and appropriate evaluation of genetic evidence in parentage and forensic analyses. Mutations of 17 STRs contained in two conventional kits of the AmpFlSTR® Identifiler® and PowerPlex®16 systems were studied in 11,744 paternity cases carried out during 2005–2015 in Belarus. In total, 283 mutations were identified at 15 from the 17 analyzed loci. The highest mutation rate was observed at FGA (0.00159), and the lowest at Penta E (0.00035). No mutation was observed at the TH01 and TPOX loci.

Identification of Variant Alleles at CODIS STR loci in Different Populations of India

Two population's DNA profiling was screened for variant alleles not included within the allelic ladder provided by the manufacturer of GenePrint STR system (Promega Corporation, Madison, US). A total of 3 variant alleles were identified at 3 out of 12 STR loci tested. This study identified one variant allele at TH01 locus (allele 8.3), one at TPOX locus (allele 14) and one at vWA locus (allele 21). All these alleles have been reported previously in different populations. Allele 8.3 found at TH01 fell within the allelic range while allele 14 found at TPOX and allele 21 found at vWA fell outside the allelic range.