26-Locus Y-STR typing in a Bhutanese population sample.

Area of Science:

• Forensic genetics
• Population genetics
• Human genetics

Background:

• Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (STRs) are crucial markers for male lineage studies and forensic identification.
• Establishing population-specific Y-STR databases enhances the accuracy of forensic investigations and population history research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the Y-STR profiles of a Bhutanese male population using a comprehensive set of 26 loci.
• To identify novel alleles and microvariants within these Y-STR loci for improved forensic analysis.
• To contribute extended haplotype data to the Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD).

Main Methods:

• Amplification of 26 Y-STR loci using two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in 856 unrelated Bhutanese males.
• Utilized a previously described Y-STR 20plex and a novel 14plex assay targeting six additional Y-STRs and the amelogenin locus.
• Characterization of novel alleles and microvariants through sequencing.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high overall discriminating power of 0.9957 across the 26 Y-STR loci.
• Identified novel alleles at five loci and microvariants at three additional loci.
• Observed one haplotype occurring 24 times, indicating potential population substructure or shared ancestry.

Conclusions:

• The developed 26-locus Y-STR panel provides high discriminatory power for the Bhutanese population.
• The identification of novel alleles and microvariants refines Y-STR analysis capabilities.
• The generated haplotype data enriches the Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database, aiding future forensic and population genetic studies.