title: Evaluating the Y chromosomal STR dating in deep-rooting pedigrees.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Y chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) has been used in time estimations for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) lineages or eminent persons. But to choose which mutation rate and estimation method in the Y chromosome dating is controversial, since different rates and methods can result in several-fold deviation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We used two deep-rooting pedigrees with full records and reliable dates to directly evaluate the Y chromosomal STR mutation rates and dating methods. We found that the Y chromosomal genealogical mutation rates (OMRB and lmMR) in BATWING method can give the best-fit estimation for historical lineage dating.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study validated a very efficient and reliable way for genealogy and historical anthropology researches.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China.
authors.forename: Chuan-Chao
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
keywords: Mutation rate; STR; Time estimation; Y chromosome