Preliminary population study at fifteen autosomal and twelve Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci in the representative sample of multinational Bosnia and Herzegovina residents

Abstract We have selected 100 unrelated healthy individuals born in the Bosnia and Herzegovina, from three main ethnical groups for our study. For the autosomal STR analysis we choose 100 male and female individuals (Bosniaks = 44%, Serbs = 31%, Croats = 17% and others = 8%). Additionally, 100 males, voluntary donors [ Bosniaks: Muslim (35), Serbs (31), Croats (34)], have been investigated for the Y-STR analysis. Buccal swabs and blood samples (blood spots) have been used as the DNA source and Qiagen Dnaeasy™ Tissue Kit was employed for DNA extraction. The PowerPlex 16® System and PowerPlex® Y System (Promega Corp., Madison, WI, USA) have been used to amplify 15 autosomal and 12 Y-STR loci. Amplification was carried out as described previously. Electrophoresis of the amplification products was preformed on an ABI PRISM 377 genetic analyzer. We have compared three Bosniak ethnic group according to Y-STR data. Also, we have compared entire B&H autosomal STR data with data obtained from geographically closer (neighboring) European populations. These results will be used as guiding principle for our upcoming studies.