Forensic evaluation and haplotypes of 19 Y-chromosomal STR loci in Koreans

In this study, 19 Y-specific STR loci (DYS19, DYS389I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385, DYS388, DYS434, DYS435, DYS436, DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS446, DYS449, and DYS464) were analyzed in 301 unrelated Korean males by three multiplex PCR systems. The haplotype diversity using the classical set of Y-STRs (DYS19, DYS389I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, and DYS385; multiplex I) was 0.9963. For the same individuals, the haplotype diversity value using the new set of highly informative Y-STRs (DYS385, DYS446, DYS449, and DYS464; multiplex III) was 0.9989, while that using the combined set of Y-STRs by adding DYS388 to the previously studied DYS434, DYS435, DYS436, DYS437, DYS438, and DYS439 (multiplex II) was 0.9509. A total of 297 different haplotypes were identified using the 19 Y-STR markers, of which 293 were unique and 4 were found twice. The overall haplotype diversity was 0.9999. The evaluation of the information of selected markers by combination of each marker with the minimal haplotype showed that DYS434, DYS435, DYS436, DYS437, and DYS438 do not significantly contribute to increment of haplotype diversity. However, respective conjunction of DYS464, DYS449, and DYS446 with the minimal haplotype considerably increased the haplotype diversity. Especially, DYS464 is expected to be the most useful marker that can be included in the expanded minimal haplotype. These results including the haplotype data at 19 Y-STR loci in the present study would provide useful information in forensic practice in a Korean population.