Forensic genetic analysis for the PowerPlex-16 system in the Korean population

Abstract

We have analyzed 15 short tandem repeat (STR) markers included the Power Plex-16 (Promega) kit in a sample of 165 unrelated individuals from Korea. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were calculated to provide an expanded and reliable forensic database. The Exact Test demonstrated that all loci surveyed here were found to be no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Statistical analyses based on allele frequencies of the 15 STR loci show that twelve Eurasian populations tested can be classified into two distinct clusters; the Koreans appear to have the most genetic affinity with the Japanese of the East Asian cluster but tend to be different from the European cluster. The calculated parameters showed Penta E to be the most valuable marker from the SIR loci studied. The combined probability of match calculated from 15 STR loci was 2.19 x 10(-17) which is highly informative. Our data, therefore, can be used to extend the results obtained with other STRs, as well as provide valuable information for forensic and population genetic studies in the Korean population.