Increased band sharing in DNA fingerprints of an inbred human population

We have compared band sharing between the DNA fingerprints of members of an inbred human population with band sharing between members of an outbred population. It had not previously been determined whether the high rate of mutation at minisatellite loci is sufficient to prevent an increase in band sharing in moderately inbred populations. We have found that there is an increase in band sharing in the 2-kb to 9-kb size range, but not in the greater than 9-kb size range, in the inbred population. The difference was consistently observed using four different multi-locus probes, viz. 33.6, 33.15, (CAC)5 and M13. Thus, we have demonstrated that moderate but prolonged inbreeding can lead to increased similarity in human DNA fingerprints. This should be considered when analysing DNA fingerprints in forensic or paternity cases involving members of an inbred community.