Male Pedigree Toolbox: A Versatile Software for Y-STR Data Analyses

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are crucial for forensic, genealogical, and population genetics.
• The rise of rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs offers enhanced male differentiation but complicates data analysis.
• Existing software for automated Y-STR analysis is limited, hindering research and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Male Pedigree Toolbox (MPT), a novel software for automated Y-STR data analysis.
• To facilitate the analysis of patrilineal genealogical relationships using Y-STR data.
• To support forensic, genealogical, and genetic research with advanced Y-STR analysis capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Male Pedigree Toolbox (MPT) software (v1.0).
• Implementation of automated analysis for Y-STR pedigree data.
• Integration of mutation rate estimation, differentiation rate calculation, ancestral haplotype determination, and machine learning-based probabilistic classifications.

Main Results:

• The MPT provides automated analysis of Y-STR data for patrilineal relationships.
• The software estimates mutation and differentiation rates, identifies ancestral haplotypes, and visualizes genetic variation.
• MPT offers probabilistic classifications for establishing pedigree structure and relatedness, even for close relatives.

Conclusions:

• The Male Pedigree Toolbox (MPT) addresses the need for automated Y-STR data analysis.
• MPT enhances the application of Y-STRs in forensics, genealogy, and population genetics.
• The publicly available MPT aims to advance research and practical applications of Y-STR analysis.