Y-chromosomal polymorphic loci DYS19, DYS390, DYS393 in a population sample from northern Poland

Short tandem repeats (STR) are presently of particular use in the field of forensic science, evolution and anthropology. Y-chromosomal STR systems are widely used for population genetics, population history, and for male iden tification in forensic cases. Here we present an examination of DYS19, DYS3 90 and DYS393 allele frequencies in a northern Polish population sample. Th e calculated indices reflect the potential of these markers for application in forensic casework. Statistically significant differences were observed between most western European populations and the Polish cohort when compar ing homogeneity of distribution of DYS19 and DYS390 alleles. For three anal yzed loci in a sample of 176 males, 43 haplotypes were observed. The studie s revealed some rare alleles and a new allele, allele 16, in the DYS393 sys tem. Sequencing by capillary electrophoresis (PE ABI 310) showed the presen ce of 16 GATA repetitive elements, confirming results obtained after capill ary electrophoresis of the DNA fragment. Additionally, sequencing revealed the presence of a novel transversion (A-->C) in the analyzed sample.