Welcome to the Y chromosome Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD)

The ability to identify male-specific DNA renders polymorphic Y-chromosomal sequences an invaluable addition to the standard panel of autosomal loci used in forensic genetics (Roewer 2009). Y-STR haplotyping is particularly important for sensitive typing of male DNA in mixed stains as well as for rapid assortment of biological crime scene evidence. Moreover, Y chromosomal profiling can trace back paternal lineages into the past and has thus been proven a useful tool in genealogical and kinship testing. The individuality of the male-specific part of the Y chromosome can be optimally explored by the Y-STR haplotype analysis using a set of highly variable short tandem repeat markers approved by the forensic and scientific community. An extremely informative Y-STR core set or minimal haplotype (minHt) amplifiable in a multiplex reaction has been recommended for court use : DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385ab (Kayser et al. 1997 and Pascali et al. 1999). This core haplotype can be extended by other hypervariable Y-STR loci (DYS438, DYS439, DYS437, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635, YGATAH4, DYS481, DYS533, DYS549, DYS570, DYS576, DYS643) to further increase the power of discrimination (Ayub et al. 2000, Redd et al. 2002, Mulero et al. 2006 and Vermeulen et al. 2009). With the establishment of the Y chromosome haplotype reference database (YHRD) in the year 2000 two important objectives are pursued:

1. the generation of reliable Y-STR haplotype frequency estimates for Y-STR haplotypes to be used in the quantitative assessment of matches in forensic and kinship casework (Search Haplotypes)
2. the assessment of male population stratification among world-wide populations as far as reflected by Y-STR haplotype frequency distributions (Population Analysis)

To this end, a large and steadily growing number of diagnostic and research laboratories (Search Contributors) have joined in a collaborative effort to collect population data (Search Contributions by accession number) and to create a sufficiently large reference database. All institutions contributing in this project, participated in an obligate quality control exercise. This database is interactive and allows the user the search for Y-STR and Y-SNP typed haplotypes and haplogroups in various formats and within specified national databases and metapopulations. Related information i.e. STR and SNP characteristics is documented (YSTR Loci, YSNPs). The YHRD database and the tools therein are published in Willuweit & Roewer 2007 For further information, please contact us.