Analysis of y-chromosome str markers

Abstract

The methods and compositions provided herein relate to the discovery of 13 STR markers, found on the human Y chromosome, having surprisingly high mutation rates when compared with 173 other Y-STR markers known today. The set of RM-Y-STRs may overcome the current dilemma of Y-chromosome analysis in forensic applications due to their extraordinary mutation properties. Embodiments of the invention include methods for allelic determination of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, amplification primers for the analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, allelic ladders for analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, and kits for the analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers.

We claim: 
     
         1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising:
 a) co-amplifying by PCR at least 2 Y-STR markers present in a sample, wherein the at least 2 Y-STR markers are selected from the group consisting of DYF387S1, DYF399S1, DYF403S1, DYF404S1, DYS449, DYS518, DYS526, DYS547, DYS570, DYS576, DYS612, DYS626 and DYS627; and   b) separating by capillary electrophoresis an amplified allele of each of the at least 2 Y-STR markers present, wherein each amplified allele is fluorescently labeled and thereby determining the specific alleles present at the at least 2 Y-STR markers in the sample, a Y-STR haplotype;   c) comparing the Y-STR haplotype against a database of Y-STR haplotypes; and   d) distinguishing a source of the sample as among a father, a son or an individual not the father or the son based on differences in the Y-STR haplotype.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the PCR co-amplifies at least one autosomal STR marker. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the autosomal STR marker is selected from the group consisting of D381358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, and CSF1PO.