Frequency of Y-chromosome STRs using PowerPlex® Y23 System in Iraqi population

Abstract

Background Y-chromosome STRs are valuable in the forensic identification of male DNA from sexual assault cases, and they are used to link families through genetic genealogy. Materials and methods For Y-STR analysis, 1032 male blood samples were used in this study, direct PCR technique was used for DNA amplification using the PowerPlex® Y23 System, and then PCR product was run with Genetic Analyzer, and the data were analyzed with the Gene Mapper ID Analysis Software. Frequency-based statistical analysis was calculated with GenAlEx 6.5-Genetic Analysis. Results One hundred and eighty-five alleles were detected at the 23 Y-STR loci in 1032 samples. Alleles frequency ranged from 0.002 to 0.813 and the highest allele frequency registered (0.813) for allele 11 at locus DYS392, and the mean haplotype diversity was 0.616 ± 0.027. New variants were registered for DYS458 locus. Conclusion The present study established the genetic information obtained by using the PowerPlex® Y23 System for the Iraqi population and also created a database of 23 Y STR markers in this population.