Relevant aspects for forensic STR analysis of canine DNA: Repeat-based nomenclature and sensitive PCR multiplexes C. Eichmann, B. Berger, W. Parson * Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria, Mu ¨ llerstrasse 44, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Abstract. Eight polymorphic canine STR markers were co-amplified in two newly designed PCR multiplex reactions (FH2087Us, FH2611, PEZ2, PEZ6, FH2328l, PEZ15, FH2054, WILMS-TFs). The sequence structure of selected alleles of these markers was the basis for the implementation of a repeat-based nomenclature. The PCR multiplexes amplify short amplicon lengths which makes the assay sensitive to the analysis of degraded DNA. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Canine microsatellite; STR; PCR multiplex; Forensic 1. Introduction Forensic identity testing of canine DNA using short tandem repeats (STRs) is becoming commonplace in resolving criminal cases. It has become increasingly important to have a set of commonly used STR markers and a reliable nomenclature, which enables exchange of data and international collaborations. The sequence structure of selected alleles of forensically useful STRs was the basis for the implementation of a repeat-based nomenclature [1,2] that is adopted from the recommendations of the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) for the nomenclature of human STRs [3,4]. We describe two newly designed robust PCR multiplexes sensitive to degraded DNA for 8 polymorphic canine STR markers. 2. Material and methods 8 canine-specific STR markers were co-amplified in two multiplex PCR reactions (MP1 and MP2). For both MPs, the total reaction volume was 25 Al including 1Â PCR 0531-5131/ D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ics.2005.11.032 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +43 512 507 3303; fax: +43 512 507 2764. E-mail address: Walther.Parson@uibk.ac.at (W. Parson). International Congress Series 1288 (2006) 813 – 815 www.ics-elsevier.com