FamilyTreeDNA
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| Type | Ltd |
|---|---|
| Industry | Genealogy, DTC Genetic Testing |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder(s) | Bennett Greenspan |
| Headquarters | Houston, TX |
| Area served | International |
| Products | Autosomal DNA Testing, mtDNA Tests, Y-SNP Tests, Y-STR Tests |
| Website | familytreedna.com |
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.[1] In February 2009, Family Tree DNA announced that they, in partnership with the National Geographic Genographic Project, have tested over 500,000 kits.[2]
Contents |
[edit] 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. 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.[3]
[edit] DNA Testing
[edit] Autosomal DNA
Family Tree DNA since May 2010 offers an autosomal chip-based DNA test called "Family Finder". The release price was $289. Family Finder tests over 710,000 autosomal SNPs using the Illumina OmniExpress testing platform. The information about mtDNA and Y-DNA is stripped out.
The Family Finder test helps customers find family members comparing the autosomal DNA of customers in the database, and providing a list of "matches". The SNPs (Single Nucleotid Polymorphisms) in coherent sections on the chromosomes 1-22 and X are analysed. Linked blocks of DNA across the 22 autosomal chromosomes are matched between two people. The degree of matching yields evidence for the relationship. For the Identity By Descent (IBD) segment a block of 10 cM (centiMorgans) or larger indicates conclusive shared ancestry while a block of between 5-10 cM is highly suggestive of shared ancestry. An IBD contains at least 500 matching SNPs in series. 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.).
In December 2011 the holiday sale price for Family Finder v2 was $199.
The Family Finder v2 raw data has 726,183 SNPs, out of which 18091 are from the X chromosome which FTDNA currently ignores in its matching. The raw Family Finder data may be submitted for additional analysis and matching to third parties, such as GEDmatch.com which includes matching via the X SNPs.[4]
[edit] 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.[5]
[edit] 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.[5] 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).[6]
[edit] Partnerships
[edit] African DNA
Founded by Henry Louis Gates, African DNA[7] combines DNA testing with genealogical research.[8]
[edit] DNA Ancestry & Family Origin
DNA Ancestry & Family Origin[9] is a genetic genealogy testing partnership between Family Tree DNA and Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences. Their website is available in both English and Arabic.[10]
[edit] iGENEA
Family Tree DNA has a European partnership with iGENEA.[11] Their website is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.[12]
[edit] 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.[13]
[edit] National Geographic Genographic Project
Family Tree DNA is the testing company for all public participation in the Genographic Project.
[edit] Press reviews
- November 2005 Family Tree DNA was featured on the Today Show[14] because of their partnership with National Geographic's Genographic Project. On the show Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Katie Couric and Ann Curry had their haplogroups tested and explained by Genographic Project director Spencer Wells.[15]
- October 2007 Family Tree DNA was profiled by Leslie Stahl on 60 minutes.[16]
- February 2008 David Paterson, Lt. Governor of New York, was interviewed on “New York Now” about his experience with genetic genealogy. Family Tree DNA provided the testing.[17]
- November 2008 In a New York Post article, they were the testing company used by Latino youths who were exploring their diverse genetic heritage.[18]
[edit] See also
- Genetic Genealogy
- Test Types
- Test Manufactures
- Genetic Genealogy and Anthro-Genetics Companies
[edit] References
- ^ Family Tree DNA, Homepage
- ^ Family Tree DNA Website, Press Release February 11, 2009
- ^ Skorecki, K; Selig S, Blazer S, Bradman R, Bradman N, Waburton PJ, Ismajlowicz M, Hammer MF (1997). "Y chromosomes of Jewish priests". Nature 385: 32.
- ^ GEDmatch.com
- ^ a b Products and pricing, Family Tree DNA
- ^ Walk Through the Y (WTY)
- ^ African DNA
- ^ Harvard Professor Joins Forces with Family Tree DNA Michigan Chronicle, December 6, 2007
- ^ DNA Ancestry & Family Origin
- ^ DNA Ancestry Website, Homepage
- ^ iGENEA
- ^ iGENEA Website, Homepage
- ^ myHeritage Website, Blogs & Press Releases November 2008
- ^ Family tree project helps trace deep history MSNBC November 21, 2005
- ^ Famous Haplogroups ISOGG
- ^ Family Tree DNA Website, News
- ^ The Lt. Governor’s DNA: A Citizen of the World Times Union, February 12, 2008
- ^ Shirley Valasquez, What's In Your Genes: DNA Testing is the Rage Among Latinos New York Post, November 12, 2008
[edit] External links
- Official
- Articles
- 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
