Using this system, the female component of a mixed sample does not contribute to the amplified profile, allowing a more efficient analysis of the male component
Promega announces the release of the PowerPlex Y system, a new product designed to specifically target male DNA.
This assay allows for the co-amplification and three-colour detection of twelve Y-STR loci in a single reaction.
The new PowerPlex Y system offers laboratories a state-of-the-art tool for typing DNA samples derived from males.
Y markers occur only in males and are inherited through the paternal line.
Because these markers are male-specific, they are useful in typing samples that may contain male/female mixtures, such as those found in sexual assault cases.
A recent government report estimated that more than 180,000 backlogged sexual assault samples remain unprocessed in the United States.
Similar backlogs exist in many other countries.
The advanced technology used in the PowerPlex Y system adds to the DNA typing tools laboratories use to address these backlogs.
Using the PowerPlex Y system, the female component of a mixed sample does not contribute to the amplified profile, allowing a more efficient analysis of the male component.
In addition to analysis of mixtures involving sperm, it is also possible to type non-sperm samples such as fingernail scrapings, azoospermic ejaculate and saliva on skin using PowerPlex Y. Besides forensic casework, Y-STR markers are also valuable for paternity analysis and anthropological studies.
Y-STRs are particularly useful in cases where males are separated by more than one generation.
Therefore, Y markers are gaining popularity in certain countries as a tool to determine eligibility for immigration.
The PowerPlex Y system includes the loci recommended by SWGDAM (Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods) as well as the European minimal haplotype.
The system's one-amplification configuration improves laboratory efficiency by reducing set up and analysis time, sample handling and reagent consumption.
PowerPlex Y is optimised for use on the ABI Prism 310 and 3100 genetic analyzers and the ABI Prism 377 DNA sequencer.
