Population and forensic genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA control region variation from six major provinces in the Korean population.

We generated complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences from 704 unrelated individuals residing in six major provinces in Korea. In addition to our earlier survey of the distribution of mtDNA haplogroup variation, a total of 560 different haplotypes characterized by 271 polymorphic sites were identified, of which 473 haplotypes were unique. The gene diversity and random match probability were 0.

Extent of Mycobacterium bovis infection in dairy cattle herds subject to partial culling as determined by an interferon-gamma assay.

The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay is employed as a complementary diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in many countries. To simplify this assay, we established a 96-well plate format using the ESAT-6 and CFP-10 antigens and then employed it to determine the extent of Mycobacterium (M.) bovis infection in dairy herds with a history of BTB outbreaks in a country where only selective culling is practiced.

Forensic and population genetic analyses of eighteen non-CODIS miniSTR loci in the Korean population.

We analyzed the variation of eighteen miniSTR loci in 411 randomly chosen individuals from Korea to increase the probability that a degraded sample can be typed, as well as to provide an expanded and reliable population database. Six multiplex PCR systems were developed (multiplex I: D1S1677, D2S441 and D4S2364; multiplex II: D10S1248, D14S1434 and D22S1045; multiplex III: D12S391, D16S3253 and D20S161; multiplex IV: D3S4529, D8S1115 and D18S853; multiplex V: D6S1017, D11S4463 and D17S1301; multiplex VI: D5S2500, D9S1122 and D21S1437). Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were calculated to evaluate the suitability and robustness of these non-CODIS miniSTR systems.

Korean population genetic data and concordance for the PowerPlex® ESX 17, AmpFlSTR Identifiler®, and PowerPlex® 16 systems.

In case of paternity or maternity investigations with short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, deficient cases, missing person, or mutations are encountered and common STRs cannot provide sufficient forensic parameters. Thus, it is recommended that additional STRs are needed to complement conventional analysis for more reliable forensic information. We analyzed variation of 23 STRs contained in the new PowerPlex(®) ESX 17 kit (Promega) and two conventional kits of the AmpFlSTR Identifiler(®) (Applied Biosystems) and PowerPlex(®) 16 systems (Promega) in 452 randomly chosen individuals from Korea to provide an expanded and reliable Korean database.

High frequencies of Y-chromosome haplogroup O2b-SRY465 lineages in Korea: a genetic perspective on the peopling of Korea.

Background: Koreans are generally considered a Northeast Asian group, thought to be related to Altaic-language-speaking populations. However, recent findings have indicated that the peopling of Korea might have been more complex, involving dual origins from both southern and northern parts of East Asia. To understand the male lineage history of Korea, more data from informative genetic markers from Korea and its surrounding regions are necessary.

Genetic diversity of two haploid markers in the Udegey population from southeastern Siberia.

The Udegeys are a small ethnic group who live along the tributaries of the Amur River Basin of southeastern Siberia in Russia. They are thought to speak a language belonging to a subdivision of the Tungusic-Manchu branch of the Altaic family. To understand the genetic features and genetic history of the Udegeys, we analyzed two haploid markers, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and Y-chromosomal variation, in 51 individuals (including 21 males) from the Udegey population.