X-linked insertion/deletion polymorphisms: forensic applications of a 33-markers panel

Insertion/deletion (INDEL) polymorphisms are diallelic markers with potential characteristics for use in forensics and biological anthropology, including: the simplicity of laboratory analysis, the possibility of genotyping many markers in a single PCR multiplex reaction, as well as analyzing markers with special inheritance types, such as those linked to the X chromosome (X-INDEL). In this work we developed a laboratory analysis methodology using a 33-INDEL marker panel for the X chromosome in a single PCR multiplex reaction, followed by a capillary electrophoresis run. We employed the panel to genotype a sample of 351 individuals of a mixed population from the Brazilian Amazon. The results demonstrate that the measurement of biostatistical parameters for forensic use in this population is compatible with prior estimates from other populations using current X-STR panels.