Population genetic data for 15 autosomal STR loci in four Venezuelan states (Aragua, Carabobo, Zulia and Tachira)

Abstract Fifteen autosomal DNA markers (D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, PENTA E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1P0, PENTA D, VWA, D8S1179, TPOX and FGA) were genotyped in a total of 1290 unrelated individuals living in Aragua (232 individuals), Carabobo (321), Tachira (431) and Zulia (306) States of Venezuela. STR amplification was carried out using GenePrint Fluorescent Systems (Promega Corp.) and the analysis of amplicons was performed on an ABI Prism™ 3130 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Statistical evaluations were performed using GENEPOP version 4.0 and PowerStats softwares. All markers obey Hardy–Weinberg law in the States of Aragua, Tachira, and Zulia ( p >0.05). However, CSF1P0 marker deviates from Hardy–Weinberg expectations in Carabobo State ( p =0.029), although equilibrium could be considered after sequential Bonferroni correction. When each pair of populations is compared at the genic and genotypic level, there are no differences among Aragua, Carabobo and Zulia, but all these populations are different to Tachira population. Allele, minimum, and null allele frequencies were estimated, as well as the main forensic parameters. These are the first population studies concerning these four States, and they will contribute to the conformation of a Venezuelan national database.