X-Chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) typing can complement existing DNA profiling protocols and can also offer useful information in cases of complex kinship analysis. This is the first population study of 8 X-linked STRs in Iraq. The purpose of this work was to provide a basic data of allele and haplotype frequency for x-linked markers and methods that are commonly used to analyze microsatellites, and the subsequent possibilities of using these specifities especially in forensic genetics. FTA® Technology (FTA™ paper DNA extraction) was utilized to extract DNA. Amplification was performed using the Mentype® Argus X-UL PCR amplification kit. Products were detected using ABI PRISMR 3100 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Forensic efficiency parameters showed that DXS7132, DXS7423, DXS8378, HPRTB, DXS10074, DXS10101, DXS10134 and DXS10135 are suitable for forensic application in Iraq. All the analyzed markers were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE); therefore Hardy-Weinberg laws could be applied for match probability calculation.

 

Key words: Allele frequency, haplotype frequency, Iraq, short tandem repeat (STR), X-chromosome.