Development and characterization of a new 12-plex ChrX miniSTR system

Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are extensively used for human identification as well as paternity and forensic casework. X-chromosome STR (X-STR) markers are a powerful complementary system especially in deficiency paternity testing. This study presents the development and characterization of a new X-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex using short amplicon (<200 bp). A total of 366 samples from Punjabi population and 346 samples from Sindhi population were typed for 11 X-chromosomal STR markers: DXS101, DXS6789, DXS6793, DXS7132, DXS7423, DXS7424, DXS8378, DXS9902, GATA31E08, GATA172D05, and HPRTB along with sex-typing locus, amelogenin. Each marker showed a high degree of polymorphism, and the multiplex was sensitive down to 250 pg of human DNA. A total of 78 alleles were found with 5-11 alleles for each marker. The population data can be used as reference database for Sindhi and Punjabi populations.