Forensic features and phylogenetic analyses of the population of Nayagarh (Odisha), India using 23 Y-STRs

The present study was designed to explore the STR diversity and genomic history of the inhabitants of Nayagarh district of Odisha, India. We also tested the proficiency of the most recent, new generation PowerPlex^R Y23 multiplex system for forensic characterisation and to decipher the phylogenetic affinities.

The genetic diversity and polymorphism among 236 healthy unrelated male volunteers from Nayagarh district of Odisha, India was investigated. This investigation was carried out via 23 Y-chromosomal STRs using capillary electrophoresis.

A total 223 unique haplotypes were reported. Discrimination capacity (DC), gene diversity (GD) and power of discrimination (PD) were observed as 0.945, 0.999999999998333, and 0.99999999999794, respectively. Polymorphic information content (PIC) and matching probability (PM) were reported as 0.999999999925535 and 2.06 × 10^-12, respectively. Simultaneously, the haplogroup analysis characterised with C2, E1b1a, E1b1b, G2a, H1, I2a, J2a, J2b, L, O, O1, O2, Q, R1a, R2, and T haplogroups, disclosing the possible geographical relatedness of the studied population to different areas of the world.

Phylogenetic analysis with previously reported Indian and Asian populations showed the genetic closeness of the studied population to different Indian populations and the Bangladeshi population of Dhaka, whereas the Bhotra population of Odisha and Han population of China showed much less genetic affinity.