What is VNTR?

VNTR full form is Variable Number of Tandem Repeats. VNTRs are the DNA segments that include short nucleotide sequences that are repeated in tandem. Based on the length of the repeating unit, these repetitions may be categorized into several types of VNTRs, such as mini-satellites and micro-satellites, and their length can vary.

As they show high levels of individual variation, VNTRs are important in genetics and forensics. This makes them useful for population research, DNA fingerprinting, and paternity testing. In this article, we will study the VNTR, its types, importance and examples in detail.

What is VNTR?

Definition of VNTR: VNTR stands for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats. It refers to short sequences of DNA that are repeated in tandem, meaning they occur one after another, and the number of repeats varies among individuals.

Variable Number of Tandem Repeats is referred to as VNTR. This kind of genetic variation is caused by a brief DNA variable sequence being repeated in tandem, or very close to one another. The reason these repetitions are called variable is because the length of them varies throughout individuals. Non-coding sections of the genome contain VNTRs, which usually do not code for proteins. Rather, since the amount of repetitions at particular VNTR loci can vary across individuals, making them helpful for identifying individuals or detecting relatedness, they are frequently utilized in DNA fingerprinting and forensic investigation. Variations in the number of repetitions cause VNTR variability, which may be found by methods like as gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Types of VNTR

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) come in different types based on the length of the repeating DNA sequences. The main types of VNTR include:

1. Satellite
2. Minisatellite
3. Microsatellite

They each have their own characteristics and uses in genetic studies.

Satellite DNA

Satellite DNA consists of repetitive sequences of DNA that can be thousands or even millions of base pairs long. These sequences are often found in regions of chromosomes called heterochromatin. The Y chromosome, in particular, contains many satellites which makes it useful for studying genetic inheritance from fathers in mammals.

The term “satellite DNA” comes from the fact that these sequences have a lower density compared to the rest of the genome due to their repetitive nature.

Satellite DNA serves several biological functions:

1. It plays a role in regulating the function of the centromere, the region of the chromosome where the spindle fibers attach during cell division.
2. It contributes to the formation of heterochromatin, a tightly packed form of DNA associated with gene silencing.
3. Satellite RNA transcripts, which are produced from satellite DNA, have been observed in plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, although their exact function is not fully understood.

Minisatellite

In a minisatellite, each repeated sequence typically contains 9 to 100 base pairs. These repeated sequences are arranged in a row, forming a stretch of DNA that can be anywhere from 500 to 300,000 base pairs long.

• Minisatellites are linked to key aspects of the human genome, including gene regulation, genomic imprinting, and regions of chromosomes prone to breaking.
• They were the first markers used in linkage studies that showed high variability, meaning they exist in many different forms within the population.
• Many minisatellites are rich in the nucleotides guanine (G) and cytosine (C), known as GC content. They also exhibit a strong symmetry in their DNA structure.

Microsatellite

The repeats in microsatellites are quite short, typically consisting of only 2 to 6 base pairs each. However, the entire sequence of these repeats can span from 10,000 to 100,000 base pairs in length. Due to their short nature, they’re referred to as short tandem repeats or simple sequence repeats.

• Microsatellites are commonly found in the chromosomes of insects and plants, as well as in certain regions of chromosomes in vertebrates.
• These microsatellites are valuable to geneticists studying populations because the number of repeats can vary widely among individuals within a population. This variability helps researchers understand the genetic diversity within a group of organisms.
• Microsatellite markers are inherited from both parents, making them useful for determining paternity. Their high variability allows for more accurate parental analysis.
• Unlike some genetic markers, microsatellites are not significantly influenced by natural selection. However, factors such as gene flow, genetic drift and mutation can affect their variability over time.

Satellite	Several thousand bp	Up to 100 million bp	Heterochromatin regions	Regulation of centromere function, formation of heterochromatin
Minisatellite	9-100 bp	500-300,000 bp	Human genome, gene regulation, chromosomal fragile sites	Multiallelic markers for linkage studies, gene regulation
Microsatellite	2-6 bp	10,000-100,000 bp	Insect and plant chromosomes, euchromatin regions of vertebrates	Population genetics studies, paternity testing, genetic diversity

Why is VNTR Important?

Importance of VNTR are in different fields such as:

• DNA Fingerprinting: VNTR analysis is pivotal in DNA fingerprinting, helping in the unique identification of individuals based on their genetic profiles. This is instrumental in criminal investigations and paternity testing.
• Criminal Investigations: VNTR analysis helps forensic scientists match DNA evidence from crime scenes with suspects, providing crucial evidence in criminal investigations.
• Population Genetics: VNTRs shed light on population genetics by revealing patterns of genetic variation within and between populations, aiding in understanding genetic diversity and human migration patterns.
• Disease Research: VNTRs are valuable in disease research as they can act as genetic markers for diseases. By identifying VNTRs associated with certain diseases, researchers can explore disease mechanisms and develop diagnostic tools.
• Association Studies: Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) analysis is used in association studies to identify genetic variants linked to specific diseases or traits, providing insights into disease susceptibility and treatment options.
• Evolutionary Biology: VNTRs are useful in evolutionary studies, enabling researchers to analyze genetic variation between species and populations. This helps in phylogenetic analysis and understanding speciation events in evolutionary biology.

Techniques of VNTR Analysis

VNTR (Variable Number of Tandem Repeat) analysis is a technique used in molecular biology to study genetic variation. Here are some common techniques used in VNTR analysis:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is like a molecular copy machine for DNA. It makes many copies of a specific piece of DNA so scientists can study it more easily. It’s used to make copies of DNA quickly and efficiently.
• Gel Electrophoresis: This is a method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. It’s like sorting different-sized beads through a sieve. Scientists use an electric field to move DNA fragments through a gel, and smaller fragments move faster than larger ones.
• DNA Sequencing: DNA sequencing is like reading the genetic code of an organism. It helps scientists understand the order of the building blocks (called nucleotides) in a DNA molecule. It’s crucial for understanding genetic information and identifying differences between organisms.
• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): NGS is a newer, faster way of sequencing DNA. It can read millions of DNA fragments at the same time, which makes it quicker and more efficient than traditional DNA sequencing methods. NGS has revolutionized genetic research and made it possible to sequence entire genomes much faster.
• Bioinformatics Tools: Bioinformatics tools are like computer programs that help scientists analyze biological data, especially DNA and protein sequences. They can process large amounts of genetic information, compare sequences, and identify patterns or mutations. These tools are essential for interpreting complex biological data and making sense of genomic information.

Examples of VNTR

The human genome contains the following instances of Variable Number Tandem Repeats, or VNTRs:

1. Dopamine transporter: A sequence of 40 nucleotides that can be repeated 3 to 11 times, with the most frequent repeats being 9- and 10-.
2. Serotonin transporter: A 17 nucleotide sequence that is repeated 9, 10 or 12 times
3. 5-HTTLPR: The most often studied polymorphism area in the VNTR for 5-HT
4. AS3MT: A VNTR in the 5′ UTR that is highly correlated with the expression of the AS3MT gene
5. Cystatin B (CSTB): a 12-mer insertion upstream of the gene linked to progressive myoclonus epilepsy and gene expression.

VNTR DNA Fingerprinting

A key component of DNA fingerprinting, sometimes referred to as genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling, are VNTRs. VNTRs are highly variable genetic markers that are utilized in DNA fingerprinting to produce individual profiles.

This is how DNA fingerprinting uses VNTRs;

• Identifying VNTR Loci: In the human genome, some VNTR sites that contain repeating DNA sequences are chosen .
• PCR Amplification: These VNTR loci are the focus of PCR amplification on DNA samples.
• Fragment Analysis: Size-based separation of amplified DNA fragments is achieved using capillary or gel electrophoresis.
• Creating a DNA Profile: The individual’s DNA profile is represented by the pattern of DNA fragments that are produced.
• Comparison and Identification: In order to support forensic investigations, paternity testing, and human identification, DNA profiles are compared for relatedness, identity, or exclusion.

Difference Between VNTR and STR

This is a comparison between Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs).

Features	VNTRs	STRs
Repeat Unit Length	Usually longer—between 10 and more than 100 base pairs	Reduced in length, usually 2–6 base pairs
Repeat Number Variation	A large variety of repetitive numbers	Restricted range; often less than 20 repetitions
Mutation Rate	Reduced mutation rate in contrast to STRs	Increased mutation rate as a result of slippage mistakes in DNA replication
Genomic Distribution	Found in areas that are both coding and non-coding.	Mostly in non-coding areas like intergenic and intron regions

Conclusion: What is VNTR? -Types, Importance

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) are repetitive DNA sequences characterized by the presence of multiple tandem repeats. They can be classified into different types based on the length of the repeat unit and the number of repeats. VNTRs play a crucial role in various fields such as forensic science, population genetics, disease research, and evolutionary biology. Their importance lies in their ability to provide unique genetic markers for individual identification in forensic investigations, insights into population genetics and human migration patterns, understanding genetic diversity, and studying evolutionary relationships between species.

FAQs on VNTR

What is the Difference Between VNTR and DNA?

VNTR, or Variable Number Tandem Repeats, are short DNA sequences repeated in tandem with varying numbers of repeats, while DNA refers to the molecule carrying genetic information.

What is the Difference Between VNTR and RFLP?

VNTR and RFLP differ in that VNTRs are specific DNA sequences with variable tandem repeats, whereas RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) refers to differences in the lengths of DNA fragments cut by restriction enzymes.

What is the Function of VNTR?

VNTRs play a role in DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity by providing unique patterns for identifying individuals or analyzing genetic variation.

Is VNTR a DNA satellite?

Yes, VNTRs are a type of DNA satellite, consisting of repetitive sequences scattered throughout the genome, often used in genetic analyses.

What does VNTR Stand for?

VNTR stands for Variable Number Tandem Repeats.

Can VNTRs be Inherited?

Yes, VNTRs can be inherited from parents and passed down through generations.

What is the Purpose of VNTR?

VNTR, which stands for Variable Number Tandem Repeats, helps scientists identify differences in DNA between individuals. It’s like a unique code that varies from person to person.

What are the Advantages of VNTR Testing?

VNTR testing provides highly specific and reliable identification of individuals based on unique DNA patterns, offering versatility across various fields such as forensics and population genetics.

Why are VNTR Useful in DNA Fingerprinting?

VNTRs are useful in DNA fingerprinting because they provide highly specific patterns that are unique to each individual. This uniqueness allows forensic scientists to match DNA samples found at a crime scene to a specific person.