A. Sala, G.A. Penacino, and D. Corach
Servicio de Huellas Digitales Geneticas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica-UBA.
Junin 956, 1113-Buenos Aires, Argentina

× Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø × Ø

Since 1987, molecular identification of individuals by means of DNA polymorphism evaluation has proved to be a valid criteria in the forensic field and in the paternity testing arena. VNTRs and STRs are the most widely used genetic markers to establish identity between an evidentiary material and a suspect, or biological kinship between potential relatives. Sex specific markers had denoted to be efficient tools for gender determination as well as in DNA typing.

In order to generate a local DNA database, a total of 24 polymorphic markers were investigated in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan area (Caucasoid population, N~ 200): ten autosomal STR systems (HUMTH01, HUMFABP, HUMVWA, HUMFES/FPS, HUMRENA4, HUMF13A1, HUMCSF1PO, D6S366, HUMMBP A and B, and TPOX), seven STR systems located in sex chromosomes (HUMHPRTB in chromosome X and YCA II, DYS385, DYS389, D390, D391 and Y27H39 in chromosome Y), six RFLP-VNTR systems (D2S44, D4S139, D5S110, D1S7, D17S26 and D10S28) and an Amp-FLP VNTR (D1S80). Comparison of the genetic structure of the caucasoid population and three aboriginal groups was performed. Aboriginal groups: Mataco-Wichi (N=35), Mapuches (N=55) and Tehuelches (N=28) were investigated by means of 15 STR systems.

Allele frequency distribution, heterozygosity, Discriminative Power, Exclusion Power and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were calculated.

The aim of this work was to generate a local DNA database, including a complete set of polymorphic genetic markers that may contribute to the statistical evaluation in forensic casework and paternity testing being carried out nowadays in our country. In addition, genetic characterization of polymorphic loci will contribute to the selection of the most suitable loci to be included in a whole population local database.