Genetic diversity and forensic parameters of 12 X-STR included in Argus X-12® marker panel in the population of the Russian Federation

Abstract

Background: X-chromosome specific short tandem repeats (X-STR) are indispensable for parentage analysis, kinship determination and forensic casework.

Aim: To determine allelic frequencies and forensic parameters of the 12 X-STR markers from the Investigator^® Argus X-12^® kit panel for the population of the Russian Federation.

Subjects and methods: We analysed 803 unrelated individuals from 58 localities across the Russian Federation. Intra-population genetic diversity was evaluated and comparison of the Russian population with 19 geographically distant populations performed.

Results: Heterozygosity values across all the loci ranged from 0.685 for DXS7423 to 0.939 for DXS10135. Deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed for DXS10074 (p < 0.05) and DXS10146 (p < 0.01). The value for power of discrimination across all the loci in males was 0.9999999996, while in females it equalled 0.9999999999. Combined mean exclusion chances MEC_Kruger, MEC_Kishida, MEC_D-trio, and MEC_D-duo were 0.9999988168, 0.9999999983, 0.9999999983, and 0.9999995797, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated small genetic differences between the Russian population and the populations of neighbouring Lithuania, Belarus and the Slavic-speaking countries (Czech Republic, Serbia and Croatia).

Conclusions: This paper is the first report of forensically important parameters and allele frequencies for the 12 X-STR loci included in Argus X-12^® marker system in the population of the Russian Federation.

Keywords: Argus X-12; Forensic analysis; Population data; Russia; Russian Federation; X-STR.