Evaluation of two MiniSTR loci mutation events in five Father-Mother-Child trios of Yoruba origin

Abstract

The robustness of short tandem repeats for use in forensic and paternity depends on their high polymorphism and mutation rate. This study tried to determine the event of mutation of two miniSTR loci in the Yoruba population. Blood samples were collected from five father-motherchild trios of Yoruba origin. Two DNA extraction methods, an homemade method and Zymogen gDNA kit were tested for yield and purity for use in the STR assay. The DNA were amplified and resolved on 4% Agarose gel. The first DNA extraction method yielded an average DNA concentration of 1399 ng/μl and while the Kit yielded 984.1 ng/μl; absorbence quotient at 260/280 of 1.78 and 1.55 respectively. Locus D1GATA113 was detected in the father and mother of two families; A and C. D5S2500 was detected only in the male parent (father) in family D. DNA extracted using any of the two methods in this study is appriopriate for use in STR mutation assay but the PCR condition for mutation miniSTR loci among the yoruba still requires extensive optimization.

Keywords: DNA extraction Methods, miniSTRs, mutation, Yoruba