Two novel alleles of the ATCT variable number tandem repeat locus VWFVNTR I in intron 40 of the von Willebrand factor gene

Two new alleles, allele 9 and allele 15, of the ATCT variable number tandem repeat locus, VWF.VNTR I, of intron 40 of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene are described. Both alleles occurred in low frequencies, being detected in only two and one of 285 random Australian Caucasians respectively. In all, 10 alleles were observed representing between six and 15 repeats of the ATCT motif. The allele frequency distribution in this Australian population was similar to other VWF.VNTR I population studies. The additional alleles described here for the VWF.VNTR I further enhance the usefulness of this VNTR locus in human identification work.