title: "YFlag"--a single-base extension primer based method for gender determination.
abstract: Assigning the gender of a DNA contributor in forensic analysis is typically achieved using the amelogenin test. Occasionally, this test produces false-positive results due to deletions occurring on the Y chromosome. Here, a four-marker "YFlag" method is presented to infer gender using single-base extension primers to flag the presence (or absence) of Y-chromosome DNA within a sample to supplement forensic STR profiling. This method offers built-in redundancy, with a single marker being sufficient to detect the presence of male DNA. In a study using 30 male and 30 female individuals, detection of male DNA was achieved with c. 0.03 ng of male DNA. All four markers were present in male/female mixture samples despite the presence of excessive female DNA. In summary, the YFlag system offers a method that is reproducible, specific, and sensitive, making it suitable for forensic use to detect male DNA.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR Ltd.), Mt Albert Science Centre, Private Bag 92-021, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand; School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Julia S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Allwood
authors.forename: Sally Ann
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Harbison
mesh_terms: D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D017931:DNA Primers; D005260:Female; D024282:Genes, sry / Q000235:genetics; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: C466623:BPY2 protein, human; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D017931:DNA Primers; D005819:Genetic Markers; D011506:Proteins; C497749:TSPY1 protein, human
keywords: DNA analysis; Y chromosome; amelogenin; forensic science; sex determination; single-base extension