Belarusian population genetic database for 15 autosomal STR loci

Area of Science:

• Population genetics
• Forensic science
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Short tandem repeat (STR) loci are fundamental markers in forensic genetics.
• Understanding population-specific allele frequencies is essential for accurate DNA profiling and identification.
• The AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit is a widely used tool for human identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the allele frequencies of 15 STR loci in a Belarusian population sample.
• To compare these frequencies with other Slavic populations to assess genetic differentiation.
• To calculate forensic genetic parameters for the Belarusian population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 15 STR loci using the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit.
• Genotyping of 176 unrelated individuals from Belarus.
• Statistical analysis, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing and comparison with other population datasets.
• Calculation of forensic performance indices such as PIC, PD, PE, PI, and pM.

Main Results:

• No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for any of the 15 STR loci.
• Statistically significant differences in allele frequencies were found between the Belarusian sample and all compared Slavic populations.
• Key forensic parameters like heterozygosity, PIC, PD, PE, PI, and pM were calculated for the Belarusian population.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a reference STR profile for the Belarusian population.
• Significant genetic differentiation exists between Belarusians and other Slavic groups, impacting forensic database utility.
• The calculated forensic parameters provide valuable data for individual identification and paternity testing within Belarus.