Abstract

The effectiveness of a rapidly mutating Y-STRs multiplex assay (RM Y-STRs) containing 13 RM Y-STR markers was compared with the AmpFℓSTR™ Yfiler™ PCR Amplification Kit (Yfiler) with conventional Y-STR markers for their efficiency in differentiating males within the same paternal lineage. Samples from 4 generations comprising 16 Dravidian males (15 father-son pairs) were analysed with both assays. Mutations were observed in 3 father-son pairs in the RM Y-STRs profiles while only 2 mutations were observed in the Y-filer profiles. Even though not many mutations were observed as anticipated, this study still emphasised the importance of RM Y-STRs when differentiation between males within the same paternal lineage is required and also indicated the need for mutation rates for different populations.