Geolocation prediction from STR genotyping: a pilot study in five geographically distinct global populations

Traditional CE-based STR profiles are highly useful for the purpose of individualisation. However, they do not give any additional information without the presence of the reference sample for comparison. To assess the usability of STR-based genotypes for the prediction of an individual’s geolocation. Genotype data from five geographically distinct populations, i.e. Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, Estonian, and Bahrainian, were collected from the published literature. A significant difference (p Three different prediction models have been proposed for genotype to geolocation prediction, i.e. (i) use of unique genotypes of a population, (ii) use of the most frequent genotype, and (iii) a combinatorial approach of unique and most frequent genotypes. These models could aid the investigating agencies in cases where no reference sample is available for comparison of the profile.