Population Genetic Data of 23 Autosomal STR Loci in the Population of Uzbekistan

Abstract Background: Population-specific short tandem repeat (STR) databases are essential for accurate forensic DNA interpretation and kinship analysis. This study aims to characterize the genetic diversity and forensic efficiency of 23 autosomal STR loci in the population of Uzbekistan. Methods: A total of 1,538 unrelated individuals from Uzbekistan were analysed. DNA samples obtained from buccal swabs and blood were extracted and genotyped via the Versa Plex™ 27 PY System Kit (Applied Biosystems, USA). Fragment analysis was performed on an ABI 3500xl Genetic Analyser. Allele frequencies, forensic parameters, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), and linkage disequilibrium (LD) were statistically evaluated. Results: Across the 23 autosomal STR loci, 333 alleles were identified, with an average of 14.47 alleles per locus. The mean expected heterozygosity was 0.8092, indicating a high level of genetic diversity. All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and showed no significant linkage disequilibrium after Bonferroni correction. The cumulative power of discrimination approached unity (PD ≈ 1 − 6.96 × 10⁻³⁴), with a matching probability of approximately 1 in 1.44 × 10³³. The combined probability of paternity exclusion and the paternity index demonstrated very high forensic efficiency. Eight loci (D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D12S391, D6S1043, D22S1045, Penta D, and Penta E) are reported here for the first time in the Uzbek population. Several loci, including D1S1656, Penta E, D18S51, D2S1338, D21S11, D12S391, D6S1043, and FGA, presented the highest polymorphism information content (PIC > 0.8). Conclusions: The analysed STR loci demonstrate high genetic polymorphism and outstanding forensic efficiency in the Uzbek population. The generated allele frequency database provides a robust reference for forensic DNA identification, kinship analysis, and population genetic studies and contributes valuable insights into the genetic structure of Central Asian populations.