Thesis

Analysis of forensic DNA markers using conventional and advanced technologies : Libyan population genetics study

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2026
Thesis identifier
  • T18205
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202193518
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Libya stretches over more than one million square kilometres and is the fourth largest country in Africa and has been home to many civilizations throughout history. However, information on Libyan population genetics is scarce, and research on its forensic genetic landscape is limited. This project involved the collection of samples from 132 unrelated Libyan individuals, representing more than 30 cities in the country. The study evaluated the forensic utility of, and generated genetic data for, autosomal and Y-STR markers using both the conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE) approach and advanced massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology in the Libyan population. Twenty-one autosomal STR markers were typed utilising the GlobalFiler IQC kit and the CE approach for 131 Libyan individuals, and the genetic relationships between the Libyan population and other continental/regional populations were analysed. The study demonstrated that all markers in the GlobalFiler IQC kit were polymorphic, discriminatory, and produced informative allele frequency data, deeming them suitable for forensic applications for the Libyan population. In addition, results indicate that Libya has a distinctive genetic structure that is the result of its geographical and historical position as a crossroads of civilizations. Twenty-seven Y-STR markers were typed in 90 unrelated Libyans utilising the Yfiler Plus kit and the CE approach. The study confirmed the suitability of these 27 markers for human identification and paternity testing in the context of forensic applications in the Libyan population. Additionally, 86 unique 27 Y-STR marker haplotypes were identified, with no matches found in the Y-chromosome STR Haplotype Database (YHRD). Haplogroup analysis suggests that Libya possesses a combination of haplogroups that is in alignment with its historical stance as a cultural hub. MPS provides many benefits over traditional CE, such as sequencing different types of markers in a single multiplex, the use of shortened amplicons that allow the recovery of information in degraded DNA samples. The forensic utility of 27 autosomal STRs and 25 Y-STR markers in the ForenSeq MainstAY kit using the MiSeq FGx Forensic Genomics system were evaluated for the Libyan population. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters for autosomal STR markers were evaluated for 130 Libyan individuals. Haplotype frequencies and various standard Y-STR forensic indices were calculated based on samples collected from 93 Libyan males. The statistical evaluation confirmed that all markers are recommended for forensic applications in Libya. Concordance analysis between the MPS system and the CE system were performed by comparing genotypes generated using the ForenSeq MainstAY kit autosomal and Y-STR markers with those generated using the Globalfiler IQC and Yfiler Plus kits. The study resulted in concordance of 99.94% for Y-STR markers and 84.62% for autosomal STR markers. The study highlighted the increased discrimination capacity and sensitivity of the MPS method over the CE method.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Haddrill, Penelope R.
Resource Type
DOI
Funder
Embargo Note
  • THIS THESIS IS RESTRICTED TO STRATHCLYDE USERS ONLY UNTIL 8TH OCTOBER 2031.

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file details File 2026-10-09 Embargo