A study of five variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci in the Greek population.

The use of hypervariable tandem repeat loci for population genetic studies, genetic analysis of inherited disease and individual identification purposes requires establishment of a genetic database for each reference population. In the present study we have analysed variability at five tandem repeat loci (D1S80, D17S5, 3'-hvr/apoB, F8vWF and D6S89)in a representative sample (88 to 156 individuals of greek ancestry), using polymerase chain reaction amplification. Between nine and 19 alleles were resolved throughout the five polymorphic loci. Heterozygosity indices for these loci in the greek population ranged from 0.68 to 0.85. Allele frequencies follow a bimodal discrimination (pd) and allelic diversity (h) values ranged from 0.84 to 0.94 and 0.85 to 0.91, respectively, and indicated that these loci are highly informative and can be used for population studies, forensic purposes and parentage and family testing. Comparison of observed and expected genotype frequencies by the conventional chi-square test indicated conformity to Hardy-Weinberg predictions.