An ultra-high discrimination Y chromosome short tandem repeat multiplex DNA typing system

In forensic casework, Y chromosome short tandem repeat markers (Y-STRs) are often used to identify a male donor DNA profile in the presence of excess quantities of female DNA, such as is found in many sexual assault investigations. Commercially available Y-STR multiplexes incorporating 12-17 loci are currently used in forensic casework (Promega's PowerPlex Y and Applied Biosystems' AmpFlSTR Yfiler). Despite the robustness of these commercial multiplex Y-STR systems and the ability to discriminate two male individuals in most cases, the coincidence match probabilities between unrelated males are modest compared with the standard set of autosomal STR markers. Hence there is still a need to develop new multiplex systems to supplement these for those cases where additional discriminatory power is desired or where there is a coincidental Y-STR match between potential male participants. Over 400 Y-STR loci have been identified on the Y chromosome. While these have the potential to increase the discrimination potential afforded by the commercially available kits, many have not been well characterized. In the present work, 91 loci were tested for their relative ability to increase the discrimination potential of the commonly used 'core' Y-STR loci. The result of this extensive evaluation was the development of an ultra high discrimination (UHD) multiplex DNA typing system that allows for the robust co-amplification of 14 non-core Y-STR loci. Population studies with a mixed African American and American Caucasian sample set (n = 572) indicated that the overall discriminatory potential of the UHD multiplex was superior to all commercial kits tested. The combined use of the UHD multiplex and the Applied Biosystems' AmpFlSTR Yfiler kit resulted in 100% discrimination of all individuals within the sample set, which presages its potential to maximally augment currently available forensic casework markers. It could also find applications in human evolutionary genetics and genetic genealogy.     

古DNA证据支持曹操的父系遗传类型属于单倍群O2

人类Y染色体是研究父系血缘的最佳材料。得益于近年来二代测序技术的发展,以及本实验室在东亚范围内大规模的遗传调查,我们获得了大量具有区分力的Y染色体新遗传标记,并构建了约20万份含有Y-STR和Y-SNP信息的遗传数据库,从而可以根据Y-STR单倍型推断出需要测试的样本的单倍群归属。因此,我们可以有针对性地选择较少的SNP组成"微检版"(mini-panel)去确定样本的真实遗传类型。本次对元宝坑一号墓曹操叔祖父曹鼎古DNA实验,证明曹操及其后人的遗传类型属于O2-M268+,F1462+,PK4-,弥补了之前通过现代人家系推测曹操遗传类型和Y-STR推测Y-SNP的缺陷。这一技术改进将使历史人类学的研究工具更加完善和有效。     

Genetic diversity of Y-chromosome microsatellites in the Fujian Han and the Sichuan Han populations of China

Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (STRs) are potentially useful for forensic, anthropological and evolutionary studies. In this study we chose the loci DYS 19, DYS 388, DYS 389 I, DYS 389 II, DYS 390, DYS 391, DYS 392, DYS 393, DYS 425 and DYS 426. Blood samples were taken from 46 unrelated male individuals from Fujian Han and 43 unrelated males from Sichuan Han in China. DNA was extracted by conventional chelex extraction procedure. PCR was carried out in two multiplex reactions. Fragment analysis was conducted on an ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. Allele frequency distributions and discrimination indices were calculated, and the two populations were tested for genetic differences by means of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Here we obtained 75 Y-STR haplotypes and the haplotype diversity for the complete haplotype was 0.9884 in Fujian Han and 0.9967 in Sichuan Han. A larger genetic difference became apparent between the two populations that belong to the Sino-Tibetan speaking populations.     

Brief communication: Ancient nuclear DNA and kinship analysis: the case of a medieval burial in San Esteban Church in Cuellar (Segovia, Central Spain)

The aim of this work was to investigate a very common situation in the archaeological and anthropological context: the study of a burial site containing several individuals, probably related genetically, using ancient DNA techniques. We used available ancient DNA and forensic protocols to obtain reliable results on archaeological material. The results also enabled molecular sex determination to be compared with osteological data. Specifically, a modified ancient DNA extraction method combined with the amplification of nuclear markers with the AmpFlSTR®MiniFiler? kit(Applied Biosystems) was used. Seven medieval individuals buried in four niches dated in the 15th Century at San Esteban Church in Cuellar (Segovia, Central Spain) were analyzed by the proposed method, and four of seven provided complete autosomal short tandem repeat (STRs) profiles. Kinship analyses comprising paternity and sibship relations were carried out with pedigree‐specific software used in forensic casework. A 99.98% paternity probability was established between two individuals, although lower percentages (68%) were obtained in other cases, and some hypothetical kinship relations were excluded. The overall results could eventually provide evidence for reconstructing the historical record. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Analysis of Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphism in an Iranian Sadat population

The molecular genotyping of individuals and reconstruction of kinship through short and highly polymorphic DNA markers, so called short tandem repeats (STR), has become one of the important and efficient methods in anthropology studies and forensic science. Although many populations have been analyzed, no study has yet been carried out on Sadat populations who are putative descendents of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Polymorphisms of 6 Y-STR loci (DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS392, and DYS393) have been studied in an unrelated population of Sadat males. The aim of this study was to find possible similarities within Sadat males, resided in Iran. Among Sadat, DYS385b was proved to be the most polymorphic (GD = 0.8588), and DYS392 showed the lowest polymorphism (GD = 0.3527). In 50 samples, 45 different haplotypes were found, of which 39 haplotypes were unique. In the study, three samples had multi-allelic patterns. Haplotype diversity, in regard to these 7 markers was 0.9942.     

中国13个民族7个Y-STR基因座遗传关系的研究

选择具有高度遗传多态性与稳定性的7个Y-STR位点分析宁夏回族与国内17个群体之间的群体遗传关系。采用Y-STR复合扩增、ABI全自动测序仪测序方法,结合基因扫描和自动分型技术获得150名宁夏回族个体DYS19、DYS389Ⅰ、DYS389Ⅱ、DYS390、DYS391、DYS392和DYS393七个基因座的基因频率,同时还收集国内17个群体这7个基因座的基因频率数据,计算他们间的遗传距离,进行聚类分析。结果显示:宁夏回族与北京汉族、云南汉族、安徽汉族、天津汉族、湖南汉族先聚为一类,然后与福建汉族相聚,最后与其他少数民族相聚,揭示回族与汉族在遗传结构上具有很大的相似性,为回族起源和发展过程中融入了大量汉族血缘的论点提供了遗传学证据。     

7个Y-STR基因座荧光标记复合分型及在中国汉族群体中遗传多态性的研究

建立了FAM（蓝色荧光）标记的DYS456、DYS464a/b/c/d和DYS527a/b和JOE(绿色荧光)标记的DYS531、DYS709、DYS448和DYS522 7个Y染色体STR基因座(相当于11个位点)复合扩增分型体系。利用ABI3100遗传分析仪调查中国广东汉族151例和河南106例汉族无关男性个体的遗传多态性分布, 并探讨在法医学中的应用价值。结果显示, 此方法能作出正确分型的最低基因组DNA量为0.02 ng; 在女性成份为男性成份150倍的混合DNA样本(总DNA量为160 ng)中能正确检出全部7个Y-STR基因座的基因型。 广东和河南2个汉族男性群体中, 观察到的单体型分别有150、105种, 其中仅观察到1次的单体型分别有149、104种, 单体型多样性(HD)分别为0.999912、0.999820; 这组Y-STR单体型在两个群体中的分布差异有统计学显著意义(秩和检验: P<0.001)。此7个Y-STR基因座多态性分析适用于法医学实践和人类进化的研究。     

Whole genome amplification strategy for forensic genetic analysis using single or few cell equivalents of genomic DNA

Evidentiary items sometimes contain an insufficient quantity of DNA for routine forensic genetic analysis. These so-called low copy number DNA samples (< 100 pg of genomic DNA) often fall below the sensitivity limitations of routine DNA analysis methods. Theoretically, one way of making such intractable samples amenable to analysis would be to increase the number of starting genomes available for subsequent STR (short tandem repeat) analysis by a whole genome amplification strategy (WGA). Although numerous studies employing WGA have focused primarily on clinical applications, few in-depth studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential usefulness of these methods in forensic casework. After an initial evaluation of existing methods, a modified WGA strategy was developed that appears to have utility for low copy number forensic casework specimens. The method employs a slight, but important, modification of the "improved primer extension preamplification PCR" method (I-PEP-PCR), which we term mIPEP (modified-I-PEP-PCR). Complete autosomal STR and Y-STR (Y chromosome short tandem repeat) profiles were routinely obtained with 5 pg of template DNA, which is equivalent to 1-2 diploid cells. Remarkably, partial Y- and autosomal STR profiles were obtained from mIPEP-treated DNA recovered from bloodstains exposed to the outside environment for 1 year whereas non-mIPEP-treated samples did not produce profiles. STR profiles were obtained from contact DNA from single dermal ridge fingerprints when the DNA was subjected to prior mIPEP amplification but not when the mIPEP step was omitted.     

Phylogenetic analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA lineages of human remains found in Yakutia

Molecular genetic analysis of ancient human remains is mostly based on mtDNA owing to its better preservation in human bones in comparison with nuclear DNA. A study was made of mtDNA extracted from human skeletons found in graves in Yakutia, in order to determine the haplotypes and to compare them with lineages of modern populations. Ancient DNA was extracted from fragments of three skeletons of Yakut graves at At-Dabaan, Ojuluun, and Jaraama sites (dating back to the 18th century) and two skeletons of the Late Neolithic Kerdugen grave (2000–1000 B.C.). All graves were found in central Yakutia (Churapchinskii, Khangalasskii, and Megino-Khangalasskii districts of Yakutia). Five different haplotypes belonging to specific Asian haplogroups were identified. The mtDNA lineages of Yakut graves belong to haplogroups C4a, D5a2, and B5b. The results indicate the continuity of mitochondrial lineages in the Yakut gene pool in the past 300 years. The haplotypes of two humans from the Kerdugen site graves belong to haplogroups A4 and G2a/D. These haplotypes were compared with those of 40000 Eurasian individuals, including 900 from Yakutia. No exact matches were found in Paleo-Asian populations of Chukchi, Eskimos, Koryaks, and Itelmen. Phylogenetically close haplotypes (±1 mutation) were found in Yakut and Evenk populations, as well as in some populations of China and South and West Siberia.     

59个Y-STR基因座的法医学多态性应用效能评估

为了评估法医学DNA数据库建设中涉及的59个Y-STR基因座的遗传多态性和法医学应用效能,通过AGCU Y SUPP PLUS试剂盒和AGCU Y37试剂盒检测374个广东汉族无关男性个体,将检测出的59个Y-STR基因座按照突变率的高低进行分类组合和统计分析。结果显示,59个Y-STR基因座联合运用在374个无关男性个体中检出了374个单倍型,其中44个中低突变Y-STR组合、15个高快突变Y-STR组合分别检出373和372个单倍型。59个Y-STR的基因多态性数值分布在0.055 1 (DYS645)~0.958 0 (DYF387S1 a/b)之间。结果表明,这59个Y-STR在广东汉族群体中均具有良好的多态性,按中低突变Y-STR组合和高快突变Y-STR组合研发新的检测体系可更好地满足法医实践的不同需求。     

Molecular genetic analysis of 400-year-old human remains found in two Yakut burial sites

The excavation of five frozen graves at the Sytygane Syhe and Istekh-Myrane burial sites (dated at 400 years old) in central Yakutia revealed five human skeletons belonging to the Yakut population. To investigate the origin and evolution of the Yakut population as well as the kinship system between individuals buried in these two sites, DNA was extracted from bone samples and analyzed by autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) and by sequencing hypervariable region I (HV1) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. The results showed a diversity of sepulchral organizations linked probably to the social or genetic background of the subjects. Comparison of STR profiles, mitochondrial haplotypes, and haplogroups with data from Eurasian populations indicated affinities with Asian populations and suggested a relative specificity and continuity of part of the Yakut mitochondrial gene pool during the last five centuries. Moreover, our results did not support a Central Asian (with the exception of maternal lineage of West Eurasian origin) or Siberian origin of the maternal lineages of these ancient Yakut subjects, implying an ethnogenesis of the Yakut population probably more complex than previously proposed.     

A large population genetic study of 15 autosomal short tandem repeat loci for establishment of Korean DNA Profile Database

Genotyping of highly polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) markers is widely used for the genetic identification of individuals in forensic DNA analyses and in paternity disputes. The National DNA Profile Databank recently established by the DNA Identification Act in Korea contains the computerized STR DNA profiles of individuals convicted of crimes. For the establishment of a large autosomal STR loci population database, 1805 samples were obtained at random from Korean individuals and 15 autosomal STR markers were analyzed using the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification kit. For the 15 autosomal STR markers, no deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed. The most informative locus in our data set was the D2S1338 with a discrimination power of 0.9699. The combined matching probability was 1.521 × 10⁻¹⁷. This large STR profile dataset including atypical alleles will be important for the establishment of the Korean DNA database and for forensic applications.     

Ancient DNA analysis of human neolithic remains found in northeastern Siberia

We successfully extracted DNA from a bone sample of a Neolithic skeleton (dated 3,600 +/- 60 years BP) excavated in northeastern Yakutia (east Siberia). Ancient DNA was analyzed by autosomal STRs (short tandem repeats) and by sequencing of the hypervariable region I (HV1) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. The STR profile, the mitochondrial haplotype, and the haplogroup determined were compared with those of modern Eurasian and Native American populations. The results showed the affinity of this ancient skeleton with both east Siberian/Asian and Native American populations.     

一个Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤家系的基因突变分析

鉴定了一个中国家庭中的常染色体显性遗传病-Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤, 通过连锁分析和NF1基因测序, 发现该家系中NF1疾病的致病基因与NF1基因连锁, 并在NF1基因上发现了一个无义突变G1336X, 该突变导致神经纤维蛋白从C末端截断1 483个氨基酸残基。G1336X突变在该家系中与疾病共分离, 但家系中的正常成员未能检出, 表明NF1基因的G1336X的突变是引起该家族患NF1疾病的原因。该突变是第一次在中国NF1疾病人群中报道。     

Possibilities of DNA Identification of Foreign Sweat and Grease Substance on Human Skin

Contact traces on a human body are a widespread object investigated in cases involving criminal acts against a person. In such cases, interpretation of the results of DNA analysis, as the most evident method, is accompanied by considerable difficulties. This paper shows the possibility of detecting genetic material in the sweat and grease deposits left by the donor on the skin surface of a living recipient. The comparative study of DNA amount in the sweat and grease substance on the surface of the skin of different areas of the body of men and women is carried out. Typing of microsatellite loci of autosomal DNA and Y chromosome in swabs from places of contact of donor males with integuments of recipients of both sexes is carried out. No statistically significant differences in the DNA amount of sweat and grease substance depending on its localization on human body are revealed. The DNA study of sweat and grease substance left by donor men on the skin of both men and women in half of cases reveals allelic combinations inherent in both the donor and the recipient. The results obtained indicate equal chances of detecting the DNA of contacting individuals.     

铜川汉族人群38个Y-STR基因座多态性调查

Y染色体上的短串联重复序列（Y chromosome short tandem repeats, Y-STRs）在法医鉴定,尤其是混合斑中男性成分的检测分析和家系排查中具有重要作用。随着Y-STR试剂盒的不断推出和数据库的建立,国内外针对不同地区和群体的Y-STR多态性研究日益增多,而有关铜川汉族Y-STR研究鲜有报道。基于此,采用YfilerTM Platinum复合扩增试剂盒对陕西铜川汉族669名无关男性个体进行38个Y-STR基因座遗传多态性调查,并探索铜川地区汉族与其他群体之间的遗传关系。调查共检出657种单倍型,单倍型多样性和识别能力分别为0.999 937 345和0.982 1。38个Y-STR基因座共检出428个等位基因,基因多样性值在0.108 9（DYS645）~0.969 9（DYS385）。群体遗传分析中,多维尺度分析（multi-dimensional scaling, MDS）和系统发育树分析结果显示铜川汉族与其他地区的汉族群体遗传距离更近。综上,研究结果中38个Y-STR基因座在铜川汉族群体中具有较高的遗传多态性,适合铜川地区法庭科学应用。     

Origin and instability of GAA repeats: insights from Alu elements

Expansion of GAA repeats in the intron of the frataxin gene is involved in the autosomal recessive Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). The GAA repeats arise from a stretch of adenine residues of an Alu element. These repeats have a size ranging from 7- 38 in the normal population, and expand to thousands in the affected individuals. The mechanism of origin of GAA repeats, their polymorphism and stability are not well understood. In this study, we have carried out an extensive analysis of GAA repeats at several loci in the humans. This analysis indicates the association of a majority of GAA repeats with the 3' end of an "A" stretch present in the Alu repeats. Further, the prevalence of GAA repeats correlates with the evolutionary age of Alu subfamilies as well as with their relative frequency in the genome. Our study on GAA repeat polymorphism at some loci in the normal population reveals that the length of the GAA repeats is determined by the relative length of the flanking A stretch. Based on these observations, a possible mechanism for origin of GAA repeats and modulatory effects of flanking sequences on repeat instability mediated by DNA triplex is proposed.     

深圳无偿献血人群中李姓、王姓和张姓无关男性个体Y-STR单倍型遗传多态性

为研究姓氏群体Y染色体特异STR单倍型的遗传多态性, 采用PCR复合扩增和ABI PrismTM 3100基因测序仪荧光检测方法对DYS426等9个Y-STR基因座进行基因分型, 检测深圳地区李姓无关男性个体血样139份、王姓无关男性个体118份、张姓无关男性个体119份。结果在139份李姓群体中, 共检出126种单倍型, 其中118种单倍型仅出现1次, 检出频率最高的1种单倍型出现6次, 单倍型多样性为0.9974; 118份王姓无关男性样本中, 共检出105种单倍型, 其中94种单倍型仅出现1次, 检出频率最高的1种单倍型出现4次, 单倍型多样性为0.9953; 张姓无关男性样本中, 共检出101种单倍型, 其中88种单倍型仅出现1次, 检出频率最高的1种单倍型出现4次, 单倍型多样性为0.9964。结果表明: 深圳地区李、王、张姓氏无关男性个体Y-STR单倍型的遗传多态性丰富, 与以往的汉族无关男性群体遗传资料相比较, 差异不显著。     

A search for mutations in the DIA1 gene in case of hereditary methemoglobinemia type I in the iakut population

In the patients with enzymopenic hereditary methemoglobinemia type I, a disease widely distributed on the territory of Yakutia, a search for the mutations in exons 3 and 4 of the DIA1 gene encoding NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase was carried out. It was shown that Yakut patients have none of three missence mutations, Arg57Gln, Leu72Pro, and Val105Met, described in case of this disease in the neighboring populations, Chinese and Japanese, inhabiting the territories south of Yakutia.     

Ancient DNA from hunter-gatherer and farmer groups from Northern Spain supports a random dispersion model for the Neolithic expansion into Europe

BACKGROUND/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The phenomenon of Neolithisation refers to the transition of prehistoric populations from a hunter-gatherer to an agro-pastoralist lifestyle. Traditionally, the spread of an agro-pastoralist economy into Europe has been framed within a dichotomy based either on an acculturation phenomenon or on a demic diffusion. However, the nature and speed of this transition is a matter of continuing scientific debate in archaeology, anthropology, and human population genetics. In the present study, we have analyzed the mitochondrial DNA diversity in hunter-gatherers and first farmers from Northern Spain, in relation to the debate surrounding the phenomenon of Neolithisation in Europe. METHODOLOGY/SIGNIFICANCE: Analysis of mitochondrial DNA was carried out on 54 individuals from Upper Paleolithic and Early Neolithic, which were recovered from nine archaeological sites from Northern Spain (Basque Country, Navarre and Cantabria). In addition, to take all necessary precautions to avoid contamination, different authentication criteria were applied in this study, including: DNA quantification, cloning, duplication (51% of the samples) and replication of the results (43% of the samples) by two independent laboratories. Statistical and multivariate analyses of the mitochondrial variability suggest that the genetic influence of Neolithisation did not spread uniformly throughout Europe, producing heterogeneous genetic consequences in different geographical regions, rejecting the traditional models that explain the Neolithisation in Europe. CONCLUSION: The differences detected in the mitochondrial DNA lineages of Neolithic groups studied so far (including these ones of this study) suggest different genetic impact of Neolithic in Central Europe, Mediterranean Europe and the Cantabrian fringe. The genetic data obtained in this study provide support for a random dispersion model for Neolithic farmers. This random dispersion had a different impact on the various geographic regions, and thus contradicts the more simplistic total acculturation and replacement models proposed so far to explain Neolithisation.