Y-chromosome STR haplotypes in an Italian population sample

Area of Science:

• Forensic Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are crucial genetic markers for male lineage identification.
• Population-specific STR data is essential for accurate forensic analysis and interpretation.
• Previous Y-STR data for the Modena population was limited, necessitating this study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the genetic variation of seven Y-STR loci in a male population sample from the Modena area.
• To establish a Y-STR haplotype database for the Modena population.
• To evaluate the forensic efficiency of these Y-STR markers for applications such as paternity testing and forensic investigations.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of seven Y-STR loci (DYS19, DYS390, DYS391, DYS393, DYS389-II, DYS392, DXYS156, DYS389-I/II) using multiplex PCR (quadruplex and duplex) and single PCR reactions.
• Analysis of a male population sample comprising 100 individuals from the Modena region.
• Haplotype diversity and discrimination index calculations.

Main Results:

• A total of 71 distinct Y-STR haplotypes were identified among the 100 males studied.
• High haplotype diversity was observed, with 57 unique haplotypes appearing only once.
• The calculated haplotype diversity/discrimination index was 0.97, indicating high discriminatory power.

Conclusions:

• The analyzed Y-STR loci exhibit significant genetic variation within the Modena male population.
• The established Y-STR haplotype database provides valuable data for forensic genetic applications in this region.
• These markers are highly effective for individual identification in forensic casework, including paternity testing and biological stain analysis.