Multiplex PCR Potential of 21 Short Tandem Repeat Loci in Three Major Nigerian Ethnic Groups

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are presently the most widely used genetic markers in forensic DNA investigations. However the predictive value of the marker depend on their allele frequencies in the population it is used on. The Nigeria ethnic population lacks allele frequencies data for most of the loci currently used in forensic around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the allele frequencies and population genetic parameters of the STR loci (D1S1656, D3S1538, D5S818, D7S820, D12S391, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, D22S1045, DY5391, SE33, CSFIPO, TPOX, FGA) in the Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo populations of Nigeria. A total of 346 individuals consisting of 120 Hausa, 128 Igbo and 134 Yoruba were assessed. DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from individuals in the three ethnic groups. The samples were amplified using Qiagen investigator Go! Kit and the products were resolved on the ABI 3130 genetic analyzer. The resulting data was analyzed using GeneMarker. Allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Heterozygosity, polymorphic information content and random match probability. Significant variations were observed for the allele frequencies of most of the loci between the ethnic populations. Most of the loci also had high heterozygosity confirming the robustness for use in these populations. Three novel alleles (SE33-29.1), (SE33-21.1) and (D12S391-15.1) were observed for the SE33 loci in the Hausa population. Creating an allele frequency database with the described 15 STR loci in the Nigerian population will provide a foundation for human identification in forensic science and parentage/kinship testing in Nigeria.