Analyzing genetic polymorphism and mutation of 44 Y-STRs in a Chinese Han population of Southern China

Short tandem repeat on the non-recombining part of chromosome Y with paternally inheritable capability is a valuable tool in the studies of forensic genetics, population genetics and anthropology. The mutation rate of Y-STR is an important parameter in the applications. A total of 629 haplotypes at 44 Y-STR markers were found in 629 unrelated males of our population. Mutation rates at 44 Y-STR loci ranged from 0 (CI: 0-5.70 × 10^-3) to 40.63 × 10^-3 (25.90 × 10^-3-57.2 × 10^-3) in our population. A higher mutation rate was noted at DYS612, DYS449, DYS547, DYS518, DYS576, DYS627, DYF403S1b, DYF387S1, DYS385a/b, DYS527a/b, DYF404S1, DYF403S1a and DYF399S1 in this population. The Y-STR set showed a higher discrimination capacity in forensic applications, and the present study provided reference data for the application of forensic and population genetics.