Genetic variability at 14 STR loci in the Puna population of north western Argentina

Abstract

Frequency data of the short tandem repeat (STR) loci D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, HUMTH01, D4S243, D18S535, HUMF13A1 and D12S391 were determined in the Puna population (Andean region from north western Argentina). In this study, 5 out of the 14 loci did not meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The excess of homozygotes observed in most of the markers could be due to a Wahlund effect and/or inbreeding. The frequencies were significantly different from those of other compared populations from Europe and America. Forensic parameters indicated that the 14 loci studied in the Puna region are highly discriminating, but the lack of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in some of the markers must be taken into account in the application of these results to paternity and forensic casework.