Please cite the database as follows: Willuweit S, Roewer L, on behalf of the International Forensic Y Chromosome User Group (2007) Y chromosome haplotype reference database (YHRD): Update, Forensic Science International: Genetics 1(2) 83-87(external link) 
 

To view the metapopulation structure of the YHRD (Popsearch) click in the map  
 
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. 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 (Pascali et al. 1998, Coordinating Y-chromosomal STR research for the courts. International Journal Legal Medicine 112, 1). This core haplotype can be extended by other hypervariable Y-STR loci to further increase the power of discrimination. 
With the establishment of the Y-STR haplotype reference database (YHRD) in the year 2000 two important objectives are pursued:

1. the generation of reliable Y-STR haplotype frequency estimates for minimal and extended Y-STR haplotypes to be used in the quantitative assessment of matches in forensic and genealogical casework
2. the assessment of male population stratification among world-wide populations as far as reflected by Y-STR haplotype frequency distributions

 
To this end, a growing number of diagnostic and research laboratories have joined in a collaborative effort to collect population data 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 haplotypes in various formats and within specified metapopulations. Related information i.e. STR characteristics, mutations, population genetic analyses etc. is documented. 
 
 
For further information, please contact us.