Genetic variation of 9 X-linked short tandem repeat loci among four populations of Inner Mongolian

Objective: To investigate the genetic structure of X chromosome in Mongolia, Ewenki, Elunchun and Dawoer in Inner Mongolia. Methods: Nine short tandem repeat (STR) markers on the X chromosome(DXS6789, DXS101, DXS8378, DXS7132, DXS7133, DXS7423, DXS6804, DXS6799 and HPRTB) were analyzed in the four populations from Inner Mongolian (Mongol, Ewenki, Oroqen and Daur) for their genetic diversity, forensic suitability and possible genetic affinities of the populations. Frequencies and other parameters of forensic interest were computed. Results: The results revealed that the nine markers described here have a moderate degree of variability in the population groups. And there are significant differences in the genetic variability among the populations. Genetic distance and cluster analyses show very low genetic distance between Mongol and Han (Xi'an) communities. The results based on genetic distance analyses are consistent with earlier studies based on linguistic as well as immigration history and origin of these populations. Conclusion: The nine STR loci studied here were found not only useful in studying genetic variations between populations but also suitable for human identity testing.