Mini-STRs

Abstract

The use of the short-tandem repeat (STR) as the DNA marker of choice in forensic profiling has lead to the construction of criminal intelligence databases that now contain millions of profiles used in the detection and linking of suspects and scenes. The incredible size and success rate of current systems have ensured that efforts to move away from STR profiling and toward the use of alternate DNA markers are practically impossible, mainly because of the financial implications involved in such a move. Problems are routinely encountered when template DNA is of suboptimal condition, as is commonly the case in the forensic laboratory, whereby full profile generation of degraded samples is not possible. A redesigned amplification protocol that results in the generation of shorter polymerase chain reaction products yet is fully compatible with current STR databases has been introduced: the MiniPlex.