Frequency distribution of hypervariable VNTRs in Apo B, HVR-Ig and COL2A1 loci in Taiwan: forensic application

By use of a simple, rapid and reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method, we analyzed three hypervariable tandem repeats in the 3'-Apo B, 5'-HVR-Ig and 3'-COL2A1 loci. As accurate data of allele frequency of genetic markers is a prerequisite for forensic application, the allele frequency distribution of the three variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) among the Chinese population in Taiwan were studied. In a total of 123 unrelated Chinese subjects, the Apo B VNTR demonstrated a heterozygosity of 68.2% with 9 alleles, 0.85 of the power of discrimination (PD) value and 0.74 of the allelic diversity (h) value. In a sample of 103 unrelated Chinese subjects, the COL2A1 VNTR showed 49.0% heterozygosity with six alleles, 0.79 of the PD value and 0.74 of the h value. In 106 unrelated subjects, the HVR-Ig VNTR showed 47.4% heterozygosity with seven alleles, 0.79 of the PD value and 0.59 of the h value. The data obtained in this study are not only useful for forensic identification, but will also be helpful for paternity testing, genetic linkage studies and the identification of the three VNTR loci associated with human genetic diseases. Some verifying examinations for the validity and reliability of the three VNTR were performed. The high sensitivity and inexpensive nature of this approach make it superior to the traditional method of DNA fingerprinting for forensic typing. With the use of this PCR-VNTR system, many forensic cases have been successfully identified. The value of this system is illustrated in the investigation of a rape and murder case.