Journal of Forensic Research

Scope of X-Chromosomal MiniSTRs: Current Developments

Abstract

Muhammad Israr, Sehrish Rafiq, Ahamad Ali Shahid, Haroon Hussain and Allah Rakha

The experience of using autosomal short-length amplicon STRs or miniSTRs in profiling of degraded DNA and mass disaster victims is extended into the realm of X-chromosomal (ChrX) STR miniaturization. About half of the total X-STRs are now short-length amplicons and the focus is shifting to using the mini versions of all of them. Joint multiplexing of these loci can be used for solving complex paternity cases and association of mass disaster victims with their families. This technology may herald a new dimension for research in population genetics and evolution. We present an overview of the progress made thus far and the future scope and prospects for X-miniSTRs.