Genetic Polymorphisms of 21 STR Loci in Hunan Province-based Han Population

Area of Science:

• Forensic genetics
• Human population genetics
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Short tandem repeat (STR) loci are critical markers in human identification.
• Understanding genetic diversity within populations is essential for forensic science.
• The Han population is the largest ethnic group in China, making population-specific data valuable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 21 specific STR loci.
• To evaluate the suitability of these STR loci for forensic applications in the Han population of Hunan Province.

Main Methods:

• Genomic DNA was extracted from 560 unrelated healthy individuals of Han ethnicity using the Chelex-100 method.
• Amplification of 21 STR loci was performed using an AGCU EX22 Kit and a 9700 STR amplification system.
• Analysis of amplified products was conducted on a 310 Genetic Analyzer.

Main Results:

• A total of 248 alleles were observed across the 21 STR loci, with frequencies ranging from 0.001 to 0.518.
• Most loci adhered to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with the exception of Penta E (P=0.023).
• The combined power of discrimination and exclusion were exceptionally high, with a combined matching probability of 1.36×10⁻²⁵.

Conclusions:

• The 21 STR loci exhibit significant polymorphisms within the Han population.
• This dataset provides a strong theoretical foundation and practical data for forensic individual identification.
• The findings support the utility of these STR loci for paternity testing and other forensic casework.