Detection of a novel X-chromosomal short tandem repeat marker in Xq28 in four ethnic groups

•We performed detection and population genetic study of a novel tetranucleotide X-STR locus in the present study.•We identified a unique X-STR locus consisting of two tetranucleotides in Xq28.•We analyzed DNA sequences and allele frequencies of four ethnic groups.•There were differences in the DNA sequence of this locus among ethnic groups.

DNA testing of X-chromosomal short tandem repeat (X-STR) polymorphisms has been the focus of attention in several studies, mainly due to its applicability in the investigation of complex kinship cases. Studies of X-STR in analyses of DNA sequences, population studies and DNA testing applications have been reported. We performed detection and population genetic study of a novel tetranucleotide X-STR locus in the present study. We identified a unique X-STR locus consisting of two tetranucleotides in Xq28. Although the STR is a simple tetranucleotide, its polymorphism was comparatively high [polymorphism information content (PIC) = 0.7140] in Japanese subjects. In addition, the STR varied in structure among ethnic groups. We conclude that this locus will be useful for forensic DNA testing and anthropological studies.

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