Allele frequencies and haplotypes of 12 Y-STR loci for the local Chinese population in Hong Kong

Haplotype frequencies were established for 12 Y-chromosome STR loci, including all loci recommended by Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods Y-STR Subcommittee (DYS391, DYS389I/II, DYS439, DYS393, DYS390, DYS385a/b, DYS438, DYS19 and DYS392) plus DYS437, in the local Chinese population in Hong Kong. In a sample of 481 unrelated males, it was possible to define 424 different haplotypes of which 388 were unique, 26 was found in two individuals, 2 were shared in three individuals, 5 were shared in four individuals and 3 were shared in five individuals. The allele diversity values for each locus ranged from 0.4273 (DYS438) to 0.9555 (DYS385a/b). The observed haplotype diversity value and discrimination capacity were 0.9992 and 0.8815, respectively. In a genetic study of these unrelated males, triple alleles were found at the DYS358 locus in six individuals. The combined Y-chromosome STR polymorphisms provide a powerful discrimination tool for routine forensic applications.