X-chromosomal 21-indel marker panel in German and Baltic populations

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Insertion-deletion (indel) markers are crucial for population genetics and forensic identification.
• Analyzing specific biallelic X-indels requires methods capable of handling degraded DNA samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To verify specific biallelic X-indels and their properties in German and Baltic populations.
• To establish a multiplex PCR assay for efficient analysis of multiple indel markers.
• To assess the forensic efficiency and population genetic structure using a set of 26 indel markers.

Main Methods:

• A short amplicon method was employed for DNA analysis, enabling detection of degraded samples.
• A multiplex PCR combined 21 indels using three fluorochromes, followed by capillary electrophoresis.
• Data were evaluated using 26 indel markers, including haplotype analysis and allele frequency comparisons.

Main Results:

• The majority of genetic material comprised insertion elements (L-fragments), with deletion elements (S-fragments) occurring less frequently.
• Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for most markers, with exceptions attributed to sample size.
• Pairwise comparisons revealed no significant deviation in allele frequencies between German and Baltic populations, suggesting genetic association.

Conclusions:

• The analyzed set of 26 indel markers demonstrates high forensic efficiency.
• The findings suggest a genetic association between the German and Baltic populations studied.
• The developed multiplex assay is effective for analyzing degraded DNA samples in population genetics and forensic contexts.