The Design And Development Of A Comprehensive 49 Locus Y-str Database For Major U.S. Populations

The establishment of a U.S. National Y-STR reference database from a variety of geographically and ethically diverse populations is essential to facilitate the generation of reliable estimates of Y-STR haplotype frequencies. Such multi-locus haplotype frequencies are required to provide a statistical estimate of the significance of a match. Y-STR loci, unlike traditional STR markers, are not independent of one another and are co-inherited as extended haplotypes of linked markers. The estimation of the frequency of occurrence of a particular haplotype therefore necessitates the use of a counting method, which means that the significance of many matches is dependent upon the size, in both the number of samples and the number of included loci, in the database. A U.S. Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database has been created by the International Forensic Y-User Group and is maintained by the Max Plank Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. However, this database has been limited to a set of 9 core Y-STRs, limiting its operational usefulness, particularly in light of the development of novel Y-STR multiplexes consisting of additional loci. A key component of our developmental strategy is to allow for the continuous updating of haplotype data using the same samples. This ensures that as new markers are developed, the same samples would be re-typed, and a new extended haplotype developed, thus accommodating any laboratory needing haplotype data for any combination of Y-STR markers. The aid of geographically diverse crime laboratories was enlisted to obtain the necessary samples. In exchange for the samples, the crime laboratories benefit by obtaining a custom built no-cost local Y-STR database. Results on the development of a 49 locus Y-STR National Reference Database will be defined and information on the future establishment of web-based accessibility to the forensic community will also be provided.

Author dc:creator

• Berdos, Paulina Niki

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ballantyne, Jack

• Database
• Haplotypes
• Y STRS
• Chemistry
• Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

CFE0000095

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-1019