Genetic variation and population structure analysis of Chinese Wuzhong Hui population using 30 Indels

<b>Background:</b> Insertions and deletions (Indels) have been used in routine forensic studies, archaeology, and population genetics. They have certain advantages, such as absence of stutter, small amplicon lengths, and low mutation rates. The genetic variations and forensic features of Indels in the Wuzhong Hui population are, as yet, unclear. <b>Aim:</b> To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 30 Indels in Wuzhong Hui people and explore their genetic relationship with 48 reference populations from all over the world. <b>Subjects and methods:</b> We genotyped 30 Indels included in the Investigator DIPplex Kit in 156 Wuzhong Hui individuals. The genetic polymorphisms and population genetic relationships were analysed and explored <i>via</i> pairwise Fst, principal component analysis, multidimensional scaling plots, phylogenetic tree, and structure. <b>Results:</b> The combined power of discrimination (CPD) and the combined probability of exclusion (CPE) were 0.9999999999899 and 0.9880, respectively. Population genetic diversity and affinity were associated with geographic origin and linguistic affiliation. <b>Conclusions:</b> The 30 Indels can be utilised as an important tool in forensic personal identification and as a supplementary method in paternity testing in Wuzhong Hui. The Wuzhong Hui people have a close genetic relationship with populations of geographical proximity and Sinitic-speaking populations, while they are different from other continental populations and Turkic-speaking populations.