Characterization of 26 miniSTR loci for improved analysis of degraded DNA samples

Published

January 25, 2008

Author(s)

Carolyn R. Steffen, Margaret C. Kline, Michael Coble, John M. Butler

Abstract

An additional 20 novel mini-short tandem repeat (miniSTR) loci have been developed and characterized to aid in the analysis of degraded DNA samples. These new markers produce short PCR products in the target range of 50 150 base pairs (bp) by moving the primer sequences as close as possible, if not directly next to the identified repeat region. These candidate loci were initially screened based on their small amplicon sizes and locations on chromosomes currently unoccupied by the 13 CODIS STR loci, or at least 50 Mb away from them on the same chromosome. They were sequenced and evaluated across more than 600 samples, and their population statistics were determined. The heterozygosities of the new loci were compared to those of the 13 CODIS loci and all were found to be comparable. Only five of the new loci had lower values than the CODIS loci; however, all of these were much smaller in size. This data suggests that these additional 20 miniSTR loci will serve as useful complements to the CODIS loci to aid in the forensic analysis of degraded DNA.

Citation

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume

53

Issue

1

Pub Type

Journals

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Citation

Steffen, C. , Kline, M. , Coble, M. and Butler, J. (2008), Characterization of 26 miniSTR loci for improved analysis of degraded DNA samples, Journal of Forensic Sciences, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=830525 (Accessed April 19, 2024)