Genetic variability and discriminating power of four microsatellite loci in Russian population

Allele and genotype frequencies of 4 STR loci (LPL, vWA, FES/FPS H F 13B), used in forensic medicine, were analyzed in Russian Siberian population. Genetic and molecular diversity of these polymorphic systems were characterized in comparison with US Caucasoid population. High discriminating power (PD = 0.99975) of the system of four studied STR loci was shown. Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in Russian population and Caucasoid US population revealed the significant differences between two populations and demonstrated that STR frequency data for US population should not be used for forensic expertise in Russia. The data obtained in the current investigation may be used as reference data for forensic medicine laboratories in Siberia.     

Genetic Variation and Discriminating Power of Four DNA Microsatellites in the Russian Population

The allele and genotype frequency distributions of four STRs (the LPL, vWA, FES/FPS, and F13B loci) commonly used in forensic medicine were studied with a sample of 200 ethnic Russians from Siberia. Genetic and molecular diversity of the four STRs was characterized in comparison with the American Caucasoid population. The set of the four STRs showed a high power of discrimination (PD = 0.99975). Comparison of the genetic variation at the four loci revealed a considerable difference between the Russian and American Caucasoid populations, precluding the use of data on allele frequencies in American Caucasoids for forensic testing in Russia. The results can be used as a reference in Siberia.