WHAT IS MOLECULAR GENEALOGY?
Molecular Genealogy links individuals together in "family trees" based on the unique identification of genetic markers. This is accomplished by using the information encoded in the DNA of an individual and/or population to determine the relatedness of individuals, families, tribal groups, and populations. Pedigrees based on genetic markers can reveal relationships not detectable in genealogies based only on names, written records, or oral traditions. There may be a number of individuals named John Smith, but a genetic identification is unique and can even discriminate between closely related individuals or those sharing the same name. There is not another individual that has ever lived on the earth or that will ever live that has the same genetic identification. The fact that DNA is inherited and that each individual is the product of his/her progenitors means that DNA can be used to not only create unique identifications, but also to identify members of the same family,! the same clan or tribal group, or the same population.

How do you do Molecular Genealogy?
In order to reconstruct molecular genealogies it is necessary to utilize known biological relationships and correlate this information with the transmission of genetic markers through time. As individuals trace their biological relationships into the past, lineages will begin to "coalesce" into common ancestors. All persons receive genetic material from their biological parents. This fundamental principle of genetic transmission means it is possible to determine the origin of genes based on common ancestry and known modes of inheritance. Because this process is repeated every generation all individuals carry within their DNA a record of who they are and how they are related to all of the other people on the earth. Additionally, different regions of DNA have the ability to identify individuals, link them to immediate family groups, extended family, tribal or clan affiliations and larger populations. The DNA analyzed in this process is isolated from individuals using very ! simple methods, screened for specific genetic markers (referred to as genotyping) in the laboratory, and stored in electronic databases. In order to determine the degree of relationship between individuals it is necessary to identify those genes, or markers, that are identical due to shared ancestry. There are several ways that this might be accomplished. Commonly employed genetic systems used to test relatedness are autosomal genes or markers contained on the non-sex chromosomes, the Y-chromosome (Y-cs) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). While chromosomes exist in pairs in the nucleus of every cell, mtDNA is more numerous and is located outside the nucleus in the mitochondria. Chromosomes are subject to recombination or shuffling every generation and are not necessarily inherited intact from generation to generation. This characteristic property of genetics introduces the diversity found among peoples and is responsible for the unique genetic identity that defines an individual! . Y-cs and mtDNA are novel in that they experience limited or no recombination. Y-cs DNA is inherited from father to son and it has been noted to follow the transmission of surnames. mtDNA is inherited by all children from their biological mother but only passed on through daughters. Each of these systems can be differentially used to answer various questions of genealogical interest. The process of molecular, or genetic, genealogy is able to reconstruct certain genealogies and determine relationships between individuals through the identification of absolutely unique combinations of genetic markers. A genetic marker represents a specific location on a chromosome where the basic genetic units exist in a variable number of repeated copies. Variant copies at any chromosomal location are termed alleles. While any two individuals may share alleles at one or a few locations, examination of several dozen or hundreds of locations will uncover differences even among closely related ! persons. The compilation of multiple genetic markers is referred to as a genotype and serves as the unique genetic identifier for any given individual.

How is the DNA obtained and who is able to participate?
It is possible to obtain DNA from any biological specimen. Commonly used sources include blood, saliva, and hair. For the construction of the genealogical database we are collecting blood because the quality and quantity of the DNA is greater than that which is retrieved from hair or saliva. Any individual 18 years or older can participate in this study. All of the genealogical reconstruction proposed in this project is done using DNA from living individuals. This work does not require information from people that are deceased.

Why do Molecular Genealogy?
For some genealogy is a hobby, while for others it is part of finding out who they are. Nevertheless, throughout the world there is intense interest in the origins and histories of people. Some of this information is transmitted through oral or written histories. Civic and religious records have also documented the history of families and communities. Unfortunately, the history of some peoples and communities has been lost or destroyed through time. In such instances the written documents are uninformative or simply don't exist. This can present a significant obstacle for individuals trying to trace their "roots." By utilizing the genetic record that each individual retains of his/her past, it is possible to reveal important clues as to their origin and relationship of any individual to other persons or populations.

What are the major objectives of this program?
1. Determine the genetic composition of major populations throughout the world. This database can be used to identify the origins and affinities of an individual and/or family with unknown ancestry. This study will include at least 500 populations from all over the world. Individuals in each population will be identified, genealogical information for at least four generations (where possible) will be compiled, and genetic information will be determined. The identification of groups of DNA markers, or haplotypes, that are unique to a population will be used to determine specific origins and affinities for individuals.
2. Reconstruct genealogies using genetic information. This information can be used to resolve "blocked" genealogies where information is incomplete or missing due to lack of records, illegitimacy, or adoption, and which has prevented the linking of families. This also allows for the molecular identification of missing relatives. New genealogical links will be established between living individuals by identifying or confirming suspected lineages that are currently impossible to resolve using traditional methods.
3. Establish genotypic links in each population and between each of the populations. Furthermore, it will be possible to establish ancient immigration and migration patterns. Individual families will be linked to their ancestral homelands and the contemporary populations that share a common genetic heritage.
4. Produce unique identifications for peoples that do not have traditional name-based genealogies. This would allow the reconstruction of DNA based genealogies and extend an understanding of human relationships worldwide.
5. Preserve the genetic heritage of an individual and family for future generations. This would have multiple implications for genealogical and medical progress in the future.