Population genetic analysis of 12 X-chromosomal STRs in a Swiss sample

X-chromosomal STRs are a powerful tool to assess a broad variety of complex kinship scenarios. We introduce herewith the first Swiss X-STR dataset based on 1198 individuals (592 female, 606 male), characterized with the Qiagen Investigator (R) Argus X-12 QS multiplex kit. Anomalous allele patterns, allele and haplotype frequencies, and forensic and population genetic parameters are presented. We detected linkage disequilibrium within three out of the four designated linkage groups and no apparent intra-national population substructure. We compared the dataset to a global panel of X-STR datasets and it fits well in the European context, as expected.

Automated summary

X-chromosomal STRs are a powerful tool for assessing complex kinship scenarios. The first Swiss X-STR dataset, based on 1198 individuals, fits well in the European context and shows no apparent intra-national population substructure.