Family Tree DNA
From ISOGG Wiki
 | |
| Type | Ltd |
|---|---|
| Industry | Genealogy, DTC Genetic Testing |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder(s) | Bennett Greenspan |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Area served | International |
| Products | mtDNA Tests, Y-STR Tests, Y-SNP Tests, Autosomal Testing |
| Website | www.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 Y chromosome DNA (Y-DNA), mitochondrial DNA (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. In February 2009, Family Tree DNA announced that they, in partnership with National Geographic's Genographic Project, have processed over 500,000 DNA kits.
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 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 who first published on the Cohen Modal Haplotype in 1997 in the journal Nature.[1]
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. In addition Family Tree DNA has a test performed at their "advanced lab" led by 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.
Mitochondrial DNA
Family Tree DNA offers the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, 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 (FGS) of the mitochondrial DNA. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal line.
Autosomal DNA
In February 2010 Family Tree DNA began the phased launch of a new autosomal DNA test known as the Family Finder. The test looks at around 500,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the 22 autosomal chromosomes. Close relations have large shared segments of DNA. More distant relations have smaller segments of shared DNA. The test works best at finding relations up to the fourth or fifth cousin level.
Genographic Project
Family Tree DNA is the testing company for all public participation in the Genographic Project. Genographic Project customers can transfer their results to the FTDNA database and benefit from the many surname, geographical and haplogroup projects. A discount on upgrades to high-resolution tests is available for the first fifteen days after the transfer.
Partnerships
Family Tree DNA have affiliate arrangements with a number of international companies. Kits are supplied by the affiliate companies and are sent to FTDNA for processing. Kits ordered from the affiliates are more expensive than kits ordered direct from FTDNA. These companies have the advantage of being able to offer customer service in the local language, or specialist research expertise.
- African DNA, founded by Henry Louis Gates, combines DNA testing with genealogical research.
- DNA Ancestry and 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 is Family Tree DNA's European partner. Their website is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
FTDNA in the news
- How DNA proved my family tree connection by Dick Eastman from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
- Adoptees use DNA to find a surname from the BBC website
- David Paterson, the Governor of New York, has his DNA tested with FTDNA from the Times Union website
- DNA could illuminate Islam's lineage in ‘’The National’’ newspaper in Abu Dhabi
- Rockford man uses DNA testing to find his birth father in the Grand Rapids Press in Michigan
- What's in your genes? DNA testing is the rage among Latinos from the New York Post 12 November 2008
- An interview with Dr Michael Hammer, FTDNA's chief scientist from the Miller-McCune website.
- An interview with Bennett Greenspan of FTDNA in the autumn/fall issue of the Journal of Genetic Genealogy.
References
- ↑ 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.
External links
- Family Tree DNA official website
- Family Tree DNA page on Facebook
- Family Tree DNA group on Facebook
- Family Tree DNA group on GenealogyWise
- Why I recommend FTDNA by Dick Hill
| This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Family Tree DNA". |
