Sequencing of the highly polymorphic STR locus SE33

The details of sequencing and analysis of U.S. population samples for the uniquely complex Short Tandem Repeat (STR) locus SE33 will be presented. The NIST U.S. Population Sample Set consists of 1036 unrelated individuals. ... [ view full abstract ]

The details of sequencing and analysis of U.S. population samples for the uniquely complex Short Tandem Repeat (STR) locus SE33 will be presented. The NIST U.S. Population Sample Set consists of 1036 unrelated individuals.  There are four population groups represented: African American (n = 342), Asian (n = 97), Caucasian (n = 361), and Hispanic (n = 236).  These samples have been analyzed using next generation sequencing technology targeting important STR sequences commonly used for human identification.  The analysis of SE33 included in this data set required a customized bioinformatic approach to identify and process the allelic information.  The locus SE33 is one of the most polymorphic markers used by the forensic community [1].  It is found in the German Core Loci Set and is an additional locus to the European Standard Set.  SE33 is a highly variable locus by length and sequencing has resulted in a four-fold increase in the number of observed alleles. The NIST Population Sample Set has an observed range of 6.3 to 36 tetranucleotide repeats [2].  It has 52 unique alleles by length and 264 unique alleles by sequence.  Analysis of this data set shows greater then 99% concordance with length based methods when flanking sequence is considered.  The different categories (classes) of repeat motifs revealed will be illustrated and further stratified by population group.

1. Butler JM, Hill CR, Kline MC, Duewer DL, Sprecher CJ, McLaren RS, Rabbach DR, Krenke BE, and Storts DR: The single most polymorphic STR Locus: SE33 performance in U.S. population.  Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series. 2009; 2:23-24

2. Hill CR, Duewer DL, Kline MC, Coble MD, and Butler JM:  U.S. population data for 29 autosomal STR loci.  Forensic Science International: Genetics.  2013; 7:e82-e83