Common Y-chromosomal STR database for three closely related European populations

Abstract: Eighteen Y-chromosomal microsatellite loci (DYS19, DYS388, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS426, DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS460, GATA H4.1, DYS385 a/b, YCAII a/b) were analyzed in 568 males from Belarus, Poland and Slovakia by means of a multiplex (octadecaplex) PCR reaction and capillary electrophoresis in order to compare their usefulness in forensic practice individually and in a haplotype format. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant differences between the three populations and excluded one common Y-STR database. Markers responsible for the differences between populations were identified using a chi-square test for homogeneity and locus-by-locus AMOVA. Selection of loci showing homogeneity enabled establishment of a common haplotype database for the studied populations. This approach may become an efficient method for Y-STR databasing for larger ethnogeographic areas as soon as consecutive homogeneity-showing markers are identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]