FamilyTreeDNA
Encyclopedia
Family Tree DNA is a commercial genetic genealogy
company based in Houston, Texas
with its partner laboratory, Arizona Research Labs, housed at the University of Arizona
. Family Tree DNA offers analysis of autosomal DNA, YDNA, and mtDNA to individuals for genealogical purposes based on DNA samples collected using a cheek swab method with a kit supplied by Family Tree DNA to its customers. All samples once submitted are stored at Arizona Research Labs for future testing and archiving of DNA samples collected from family members. In February 2009, Family Tree DNA announced that they, in partnership with the National Geographic Genographic Project, have tested over 500,000 kits.
Family Tree DNA became widely known for its Y-chromosome STR testing for the Cohen Modal Haplotype
. Family Tree DNA includes among its scientific staff, Dr. Michael Hammer (PhD), one of a team of scientists that first published on the Cohen Modal Haplotype
in 1997 in the journal Nature
.
Articles
Genetic genealogy
Genetic genealogy is the application of genetics to traditional genealogy. Genetic genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level of genetic relationship between individuals.-History:...
company based in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
with its partner laboratory, Arizona Research Labs, housed at the University of Arizona
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...
. Family Tree DNA offers analysis of autosomal DNA, YDNA, and mtDNA to individuals for genealogical purposes based on DNA samples collected using a cheek swab method with a kit supplied by Family Tree DNA to its customers. All samples once submitted are stored at Arizona Research Labs for future testing and archiving of DNA samples collected from family members. In February 2009, Family Tree DNA announced that they, in partnership with the National Geographic Genographic Project, have tested over 500,000 kits.
History
Family Tree DNA was founded in 1999 by Bennett Greenspan, an entrepreneur and lifelong genealogy enthusiast. Greenspan now serves as President and CEO of Family Tree DNA.Family Tree DNA became widely known for its Y-chromosome STR testing for the Cohen Modal Haplotype
Y-chromosomal Aaron
Y-chromosomal Aaron is the name given to the hypothesised most recent common ancestor of many of the patrilineal Jewish priestly caste known as Kohanim . In the Torah, this ancestor is identified as Aaron, the brother of Moses...
. Family Tree DNA includes among its scientific staff, Dr. Michael Hammer (PhD), one of a team of scientists that first published on the Cohen Modal Haplotype
Y-chromosomal Aaron
Y-chromosomal Aaron is the name given to the hypothesised most recent common ancestor of many of the patrilineal Jewish priestly caste known as Kohanim . In the Torah, this ancestor is identified as Aaron, the brother of Moses...
in 1997 in the journal Nature
Nature (journal)
Nature, first published on 4 November 1869, is ranked the world's most cited interdisciplinary scientific journal by the Science Edition of the 2010 Journal Citation Reports...
.
Autosomal DNA
Family Tree DNA offers an autosomal chip-based DNA test called "Family Finder." Family Finder tests 710,000 autosomal SNPs using the Illumina OmniExpress testing platform. This test is used to help customers find family members comparing the autosomal DNA of customers in the database, and providing a list of "matches." Names, e-mail addresses, genealogical information, predicted degree of relationship (2nd, 3rd, 4th cousins, etc.) are shared between customers who match each other. Family Finder also includes a component called "Population Finder." This component uses the same autosomal data to conduct biogeographical analysis (BGA) of the autosomal DNA. The results of this test provide percentages of a DNA associated with general regions or specific ethnic groups (ex. Western Europe, Asia, Jewish, Native American, etc.).Mitochondrial DNA
Family Tree DNA offers the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA, which is found in both men and women. mtDNA traces the direct maternal line. Family Tree DNA offers the testing of the HVR1 region, HVR2 region, and the Full Genome Sequence of the mitochondrial DNA. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal line.Y-Chromosome DNA
Family Tree DNA offers the analysis of Y-DNA for identification of the ethnic and geographic origin of the paternal line. Also, it is used to affirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. A haplogroup is determined and backed by Family Tree DNA's SNP Assurance Program. In addition Family Tree DNA has a test that seeks the discovery of new SNPs in accepted customers, this test is named Walk Through the Y (WTY).African DNA
Founded by Henry Louis Gates, African DNA combines DNA testing with genealogical research.DNA Ancestry & Family Origin
DNA Ancestry & Family Origin is a genetic genealogy testing partnership between Family Tree DNA and Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences. Their website is available in both English and Arabic.iGENEA
Family Tree DNA has a European partnership with iGENEA. Their website is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.myHeritage
A dynamic partnership with myHeritage was launched in November 2008. myHeritage is a genealogical and family social networking website that produces online and PC based genealogy software.National Geographic Genographic Project
Family Tree DNA is the testing company for all public participation in the Genographic Project.Press reviews
- November 2005 Family Tree DNA was featured on the Today Show because of their partnership with National Geographic's Genographic Project. On the show Matt LauerMatt LauerMatthew Todd "Matt" Lauer . is an American television journalist best known as the host of NBC's The Today Show since 1997. He was previously a news anchor in New York and a local talk-show host in Boston, Philadelphia, Providence and Richmond...
, Al RokerAl RokerAlbert Lincoln "Al" Roker, Jr. is an American television meteorologist as well as an actor and book author. He is best known as being the weather anchor on NBC's Today. On Monday, July 20, 2009, he began co-hosting his new morning show, Wake Up with Al, on The Weather Channel, which airs weekdays...
, Katie CouricKatie CouricKatherine Anne "Katie" Couric is an American journalist and author. She serves as Special Correspondent for ABC News, contributing to ABC World News, Nightline, 20/20, Good Morning America, This Week and primetime news specials...
and Ann CurryAnn CurryAnn Curry is an American television news journalist and co-anchor on NBC's morning television program Today. She is the former news anchor on Today, a role she began in March 1997, and was the host of Dateline NBC from 2005-2011.Curry is a Board Member at the IWMF .-Biography:Curry was born in...
had their haplogroupHaplogroupIn the study of molecular evolution, a haplogroup is a group of similar haplotypes that share a common ancestor having the same single nucleotide polymorphism mutation in both haplotypes. Because a haplogroup consists of similar haplotypes, this is what makes it possible to predict a haplogroup...
s tested and explained by Genographic Project director Spencer WellsSpencer WellsSpencer Wells is a geneticist and anthropologist, an at the National Geographic Society, and Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of '56 Professor at Cornell University. He leads The Genographic Project.-Education:...
.
- October 2007 Family Tree DNA was profiled by Leslie Stahl on 60 minutes60 Minutes60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
.
- February 2008 David PatersonDavid PatersonDavid Alexander Paterson is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New York, from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure he was the first governor of New York of African American heritage and also the second legally blind governor of any U.S. state after Bob C. Riley, who was Acting...
, Lt. Governor of New York, was interviewed on “New York Now” about his experience with genetic genealogyGenetic genealogyGenetic genealogy is the application of genetics to traditional genealogy. Genetic genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level of genetic relationship between individuals.-History:...
. Family Tree DNA provided the testing.
- November 2008 In a New York PostNew York PostThe New York Post is the 13th-oldest newspaper published in the United States and is generally acknowledged as the oldest to have been published continuously as a daily, although – as is the case with most other papers – its publication has been periodically interrupted by labor actions...
article, they were the testing company used by LatinoLatinoThe demonyms Latino and Latina , are defined in English language dictionaries as:* "a person of Latin-American descent."* "A Latin American."* "A person of Hispanic, especially Latin-American, descent, often one living in the United States."...
youths who were exploring their diverse genetic heritage.
See also
- Genetic Genealogy
- Ancient DNA
- Genealogical DNA testGenealogical DNA testA genealogical DNA test examines the nucleotides at specific locations on a person's DNA for genetic genealogy purposes. The test results are not meant to have any informative medical value and do not determine specific genetic diseases or disorders ; they are intended only to give genealogical...
- Genetic GenealogyGenetic genealogyGenetic genealogy is the application of genetics to traditional genealogy. Genetic genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level of genetic relationship between individuals.-History:...
- Human mtDNA
- Phylogenetic TreePhylogenetic treeA phylogenetic tree or evolutionary tree is a branching diagram or "tree" showing the inferred evolutionary relationships among various biological species or other entities based upon similarities and differences in their physical and/or genetic characteristics...
- SNP
- STRSTRSTR, StR, Str or str may stand for:*Short tandem repeat, in DNA testing*Special Theory of Relativity, Einstein's theory*S. T...
- Test Types
- DNA Sequencing TechnologiesDNA sequencingDNA sequencing includes several methods and technologies that are used for determining the order of the nucleotide bases—adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine—in a molecule of DNA....
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)Polymerase chain reactionThe polymerase chain reaction is a scientific technique in molecular biology to amplify a single or a few copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence....
- DNA MicroarrayDNA microarrayA DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots attached to a solid surface. Scientists use DNA microarrays to measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome...
- Sanger SequencingMicrofluidic Sanger SequencingThe completion of the Human Genome Project has been a cornerstone in the advancement of biological studies. The outcomes of obtaining a complete reference map of the human genome have ushered in the post-genome era of studies...
- DNA Sequencing Technologies
- Test Manufactures
- AffymetrixAffymetrixAffymetrix is a company that manufactures DNA microarrays; it is based in Santa Clara, California, United States. The company was founded by Dr. Stephen Fodor in 1992. It began as a unit in Affymax N.V...
- Applied BiosystemsApplied BiosystemsApplied Biosystems, Inc. started as GeneCo , was the name of a pioneer biotechnology company founded in 1981 in Foster City, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area...
- IlluminaIllumina (company)Illumina, Inc. is a company incorporated in April 1998 that develops, manufactures and markets integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. Using its technologies, the company provides a line of products and services that serve the sequencing, genotyping and...
- Affymetrix
- Genetic Genealogy and Anthro-Genetics Companies
- deCODEme
- DNA TribesDNA TribesDNA Tribes is a personal genomics and biotechnology company based in Arlington, Virginia that allows individuals to have their genetic ancestry analyzed based on autosomal STR genetic markers developed by the FBI for individual identification in a forensic context...
- GeneTreeGeneTreeGeneTree is a family history website focused on using DNA testing to trace ancestry. A website account is free, and within their account users can order DNA tests, enter results from other testing companies, search the DNA database, create an online family tree, and correspond with family members -...
- Sorenson Molecular Genealogy FoundationSorenson Molecular Genealogy FoundationThe Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is an independent DNA and genealogical research institution with the goal of demonstrating how the peoples of the world are related...
(SMGF) - 23andMe23andMe23andMe is a privately held personal genomics and biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California that is developing new methods and technologies that will enable consumers to understand their own genetic information...
External links
OfficialArticles
- MSNBC article "Family Tree DNA"..."solves a family mystery"
- Wired magazine article on Family Tree DNA genealogy
- New York Times article quoting FamilyTreeDNA president on Thomas Jefferson's genetic heritage
- BBC News article mentioning US firm "Family Tree DNA"
- USA Today article pricing FamilyTreeDNA among other DNA testing services
- Wall Street Journal article on an adopted man's use of DNA to find his biological father