Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA Control Region Lineages in Iraq

• NCJ Number: 310078
• Journal: International Journal of Legal Medicine Volume: 127 Dated: 2013 Pages: 373-375
• Date Published: August 2012
• Author(s): Nadia Al-Zahery; Jessica Saunier; Katharine Ellingson; Walther Parson; Thomas J. Parsons; Jodi A. Irwin
• Length: 3 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2005-DN-R-086-1
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This document reports on the sampling of mitochondrial DNA of 182 Iraqi subjects which resulted in the identification high molecular diversity and low random match probabilities.

Abstract

To evaluate the utility of mtDNA control region data for the purposes of forensic DNA testing in Iraq, a sample of 182 subjects (128 Arab Muslims, 15 Kurd Muslims, 22 Assyrian Christians and 17 Mandaean Arabs) was tested. High numbers of singleton haplotypes were observed among Arabs, Kurds and Assyrians, but fewer were found in Mandaeans. High molecular diversity and low random match probabilities confirmed the value of control region data in the investigation of maternal genetic lineages among the Iraqi population. (Published Abstract Provided)