Evaluating the Y chromosomal STR dating in deep-rooting pedigrees

BACKGROUND: Y chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) has been used in time estimations for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) lineages or eminent persons. But to choose which mutation rate and estimation method in the Y chromosome dating is controversial, since different rates and methods can result in several-fold deviation. FINDINGS: We used two deep-rooting pedigrees with full records and reliable dates to directly evaluate the Y chromosomal STR mutation rates and dating methods. We found that the Y chromosomal genealogical mutation rates (OMRB and lmMR) in BATWING method can give the best-fit estimation for historical lineage dating. CONCLUSIONS: This study validated a very efficient and reliable way for genealogy and historical anthropology researches. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13323-015-0025-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.