Population study of four X-chromosomal STR loci in the UK and Irish population

Abstract X-chromosome STR typing can complement existing DNA profiling protocols and can also offer useful information in cases of complex kinship analysis. In this study a database relevant to the UK population was compiled. The four X-chromosome short tandem repeats DX8378, DX7132, DX7423 and HPRTB were used to generate allele frequencies in a population sample of 600 unrelated males and females from the UK and Irish populations. The population was composed of three subsets of data: 200 individuals who described themselves as Irish Caucasian; 200 individuals who described themselves as British Caucasian and 200 individuals who described themselves as South Asian (originating mainly from the countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan). Amplification was performed using the Mentype® Argus X-UL PCR amplification kit (Biotype AG). Slight modifications were made to the manufacturer's recommended protocol. Products were detected using ABI PRISM® 3100 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Allele frequencies were calculated and the three population subsets compared. The Mentype® Argus X-UL PCR amplification kit was found to be a robust system and a useful addition to autosomal markers routinely used in forensic and paternity testing applications.