 |
|
| Type | Ltd |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder(s) | Bennett Greenspan |
| Headquarters | Houston, TX |
| Area served | International |
| Industry | Genealogy, DTC Genetic Testing |
| Products | mtDNA Tests, Y-STR Tests, Y-SNP 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 YDNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA 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 |
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 association with the Cohen Modal Haplotype and were instrumental in the now widely referenced 12 marker 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]
Scientific background
Scientists employed by Family Tree DNA or who serve on the Scientific Advisory Board of Family Tree DNA include: Michael Hammer (PhD), Bruce Walsh (PhD), Doron Behar (MD, PhD), Theodore G. Schurr (PhD), Alan J. Redd (PhD), Connie Bormans (PhD), Thomas Krahn (Msc), Matthew Kaplan (PhD cand.).[4]
DNA Testing
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 performed at their "advanced lab" led Dr. Thomas Krahn that seeks the discovery of new SNPs in accepted customers who participate, this test that customers can buy as a service is named Walk Through the Y (WTY).
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.[6]
Autosomal DNA
Family Tree DNA offers analysis of autosomal DNA STRs based on the CODIS system developed by the FBI. Family Tree DNA offers this product to existing customers based on their DNA samples stored and archived at the University of Arizona Laboratories or to new customers who wish to submit a cheek swab sample. This test is used for informal paternity, maternity, and siblingship testing.[7] With the recommended use of OmniPop software, recognized and used by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Family Tree DNA indicates that autosomal DNA is useful to analyse ones genetic ancestry in comparison to global populations.[8]
Partnerships
African DNA
Founded by Henry Louis Gates, African DNA combines DNA testing with genealogical research.[9]
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.[10]
iGENEA
Family Tree DNA has a European partnership with iGENEA. Their website is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.[11]
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.[12]
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[13] 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.[14]
- October 2007 Family Tree DNA was profiled by Leslie Stahl on 60 minutes.[15]
- 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.[16]
- November 2008 In a New York Post article, they were the testing company used by Latino youths who were exploring their diverse genetic heritage.[17]
References
- ^ http://www.familytreedna.com
- ^ 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.
- ^ http://www.familytreedna.com/about.aspx
- ^ http://www.familytreedna.com/products.aspx
- ^ http://www.familytreedna.com/products.aspx
- ^ http://www.familytreedna.com/products.aspx
- ^ http://www.familytreedna.com/advanced-test-results.aspx
- ^ Harvard Professor Joins Forces with Family Tree DNA Michigan Chronicle, December 6, 2007
- ^ DNA Ancestry Website, Homepage
- ^ 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
See also
- Genealogical DNA test
- Genetic genealogy
- DNA Tribes, a company offering a service similar to Family Tree DNA for autosomal-based genetic ancestry
External links
- Family Tree DNA Website
- iGENEA website
- 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
- Popular Science Magazine article on genetic genealogy & "Family Tree DNA"
- United Press International story about adopted boy's biological father found because of FamilyTreeDNA
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
