Y chromosome STR polymorphisms in a Serbian population sample

Area of Science:

• Forensic Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Y chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) markers are crucial for population genetics and forensic studies.
• Understanding genetic diversity within populations aids in establishing population-specific databases for identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the genetic variation of eight Y-STR loci in a Serbian male population.
• To compare Serbian Y-STR allele frequencies with other European populations.
• To assess haplotype diversity and uniqueness within the Serbian sample.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of eight Y-STR loci (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393) in 114 unrelated Serbian males.
• Calculation of allele frequencies and haplotype diversity.
• Comparison of observed frequencies with existing European population data.

Main Results:

• A general correspondence of Y-STR allelic frequencies was observed with other European populations, with exceptions at DYS19, DYS389II, and DYS385 loci.
• Ninety unique haplotypes were identified, with 74.91% occurring as single copies, suggesting a high degree of haplotype diversity.
• The most frequent haplotypes were found in 3.51% of the sample.
• Total haplotype diversity was calculated as 0.9947 ± 0.0021.

Conclusions:

• The Y-STR genetic profile of the Serbian population shows general similarities to other European groups but with distinct variations at specific loci.
• The high haplotype diversity observed in the Serbian sample is valuable for forensic applications and understanding regional genetic history.
• Further population genetics research incorporating these Y-STR markers is warranted.