A novel multiplex assay for simultaneously analysing 13 rapidly mutating Y-STRs
Rashed Alghafri1, Will Goodwin2, Arwin Ralf3
1University of Central Lancashire, School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, Preston, UK; General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police General Head Quarters, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (RM-Yplex) was developed which is capable of simultaneously amplifying 13 recently introduced rapidly mutating Y-STR markers (RM Y-STRs). This multiplex assay is expected to aid human identity testing in forensic and other applications to improve differentiating unrelated males and allow separating related males. The 13 RM Y-STR markers included in the multiplex are: DYF387S1, DYF399S1, DYF403S1ab, DYF404S1, DYS449, DYS518, DYS526ab, DYS547, DYS570, DYS576, DYS612, DYS626 and DYS627. This study reflects the proof of concept to analyse all currently known RM Y-STRs simultaneously and describes the optimization of the multiplex assay. The RM-Yplex assay generated complete RM Y-STR profiles down to 62.5pg of male template DNA, and from male-female DNA mixtures at all ratios tested. We herewith introduce and make available for widespread use in forensic and anthropological studies, an effective and sensitive single multiplex assay for simultaneous genotyping of 13 RM Y-STRs.
