Study about genetic variability of SE33 locus

Introduction: The HUMACTBP2 (SE33) locus is one of the most polymorphic markers commonly used in forensic human identification. Variability of SE33 was studied in 2 Calabria and Malta populations using the AmpFlSTR NGM SElect™ PCR Amplification Kit (Applied Biosystems) and the PowerPlex ESI 17 (Promega). Material & Methods: A total of 41 different alleles were observed in the 2 examined populations with no allele being more frequent than 10,5%. In the Maltese population more intermediate alleles than in Calabria were found. Allelic frequencies and statistical parameters of forensic interest (Dp,PE, RMP) were calculated using PowerStats v.1.2 software. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and other population parameters were calculated using Arlequin v.3.1 and TFPGA v1.3 softwares. Results: No significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were found. Calabria and Malta allelic frequencies were compared to previously published population data and no significant differences were found. When comparing with Sicily no overall significant genetic distances were found, while comparison to other populations showed significant ones. Moreover comparison with non-European population showed no big distances between Germany and Morocco and between Hungary and Turkey. Conclusion: confirmed the locus is effectively highly polymorphic and useful not only for forensic identification but also in paternity cases in addition to the set of STRs loci commonly used.