Preliminary investigation of distinguishing between Zimbabwean Shona brother pairs using the health gene sure ID 27Y human STR identification kit

Abstract

Objectives: Preliminary investigation of individualizing capacity of the SureIDⓇ 27Y Human STR Identification Kit with Shona male brother participants. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six buccal swabs were collected from 18 brother pairs and subsequently used to generate Y-STR haplotype profiles with the use of the SureIDⓇ 27Y Human STR Identification Kit. Results: Of the 18 brother pairs analysed, 22.2% (four brother pairs) were distinguishable from each other at one maker, namely DYS481, DYS393, DYS458 or DYS518. One Y-STR haplotype profile was reported in four of the 18 brother pairs (22.2%) studied. Discussion: Maker DYS518, considered a RM Y-STR followed the expected outcome of being one of the discriminating markers between brothers. In addition, makers DYS518 and DYS481 are reported to have high genetic diversity for Shona unrelated males so it would follow that they would have a more notable discriminatory capacity even between related males of the same ethnic group. Whereas the variation between brothers at mini Y-STR makers DYS393 and DYS458 may be attested to small or single point mutations which upon analysis result in detection of variant alleles. These mini Y-STR marker produce relatively smaller polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products and as such micro changes in the DNA sequence could have a greater effect on the allele observed.The shared Y-STR haplotype profile observed between brother P14, P15, P17 and P18 suggested relatedness between the brother pair and probable common ancestry. Brother pair P17 and P18 shared the same totems or clan “Moyo” while P15 with the “Shava” totem might be explained by the common ancestry from the “Mbire” lineage. Keywords: Zimbabwean, Shona, Brothers, SureIDⓇ 27Y human STR, Y-STR, Rapidly mutating Y-STRs (RM Y-STRs)