Development of a quadruplex PCR system for the genetic analysis of X-chromosomal STR loci

Short tandem repeat systems on the X chromosome are the natural counterpart to the well-established Y-chromosomal STR loci. The X-linked systems are inherited as a single haplotype only in males, whereas in females, the X chromosomes recombine and exhibit the same characteristics as the autosomes. Nevertheless, X-linked systems may provide a useful tool in paternity cases with female offspring, in particular when the alleged father is not available for testing, or in forensic identification cases based on the comparison with firstor second-degree relatives. Only a small number of STR loci have been described on the X chromosome, and a number of these are not highly informative. Therefore, w…