The Genetic Genealogist

The newest entrant in the field of personal genomics has officially gone live.  Pathway Genomics, located in California, uses SNP testing to examine information about Health conditions, Ancestry, Carrier Status, Personal Traits, and Drug Response.  The company collects DNA via a spit kit, and has its own lab on-site:

We decided early on that the surest way to completely secure your information would be to build our own CLIA-certified laboratory. And that’s just what we did. Once we receive your saliva sample in our lab, your DNA never leaves the building. As a matter of fact, we place it in our proprietary DNA Lockbox for safekeeping. No other DNA testing firm offers this level of security. Others send your DNA elsewhere for testing, even to non-secure overseas locations!

The company has three levels of testing.  The first is the Ancestry Kit only:

The second level of testing is the Health Kit only:

And the third level of testing is both the Health and Ancestry Kit:

Ancestry Information

Not surprisingly, as a genetic genealogist, I am interested in the ancestry testing offered by Pathway.  The ancestry tests examines mtDNA in female customers, and both mtDNA and Y-DNA in male customers.  From the website:

Pathway Genomics hired some of the leading genetic genealogists in the world to design a custom analysis with the most precise and thorough genetic ancestry testing available.  Our maternal and paternal tests are 10 times more precise in their definition of haplogroups than other services, with more than 1000 maternal and over 200 paternal haplogroups.

This means that where other services will tell you that you are in Haplogroup J, we can tell you that you are in Haplogroup J2a1a – it is like the difference between saying you drive a Japanese car and saying you drive a 2009 Toyota Camry XLS.  By identifying your ancestry more precisely, Pathway Genomics helps you to identify people with whom you are more closely related.

Thus, Pathway Genomics uses SNP testing to identify customer’s mtDNA and Y-DNA haplogroups.  Because of the large number of genealogically-relevant SNPs tested, the haplogroup placement is very refined (see, for example, the ISOGG 2009 Y-DNA Haplogroup Tree, which is based on SNP testing).  The following graph emphasizes the difference in ancestry SNP testing by Pathway and ancestry SNP testing by other companies:

The Ancestry FAQ page has more information about ancestry testing.

Health Information

As the Health Kit above describes, the test examines SNPs related to more than 90 diseases, conditions, and traits, as well as carrier status of some genetic conditions, and drug interactions.  Lists of some of these conditions are here, here, and here.

Genetic Counselors

Pathway also has genetic counselors on staff for customers to ask questions and get more information:

In addition, because of the complexity and inherent uncertainties in genetic information, it is recommended that you discuss the results of your genetic test with a genetic professional, either a genetic counselor or a physician with specialty training in genetics. Our on-staff genetic counselors are available anytime.

General Information

Pathway has a blog called DNAction.  The company’s website also has information about the company’s Management and about their Science Team.  The Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, both of which I highly recommend any interested buyer read and study, are available online.  Testing is scheduled to take about 8 weeks according to the FAQ.

Testing Review

Stay tuned, I will be providing more information about Pathway Genomics, including a review of my testing experience, soon!

Disclosure

I am currently a consultant for Pathway Genomics.

Journalists Peter Aldhous and Michael Reilly write about using DNA obtained from a drinking glass and other sources to “hack” someone’s genome.

In “Special investigation: How my genome was hacked,” the authors use a variety of consumer-available DNA services to prepare and amplify genomic DNA in order to send it away for analysis by deCODEme.  They used deCODEme, it appears, because 23andMe and Navigenics use saliva collection, and “it would be hard to convert [the] amplified DNA sample into a form that closely mimicked saliva.”  They did use 23andMe, however, as a control.  Interestingly, the cost of the entire process was about $1,700 for lab services (preparation and amplification) and $985 for deCODEme’s service.

From the article:

Intimate secrets hidden in your DNA could be stolen without you even realizing. By taking a glass from which you have drunk, a “genome hacker” could obtain a comprehensive scan of your genome, revealing DNA variants that help determine your susceptibility to a wide range of diseases, from a common form of blindness to Alzheimer’s disease.

This could, the authors argue, suggest that similar services could be used to obtain genetic information about anyone:

For people who are not politicians or celebrities, the most obvious threat comes from unscrupulous employers or insurers – and many countries have already restricted their use of genetic information. But private citizens may also have motives to pry into one another’s DNA. A newly engaged person might want to know whether their future spouse carries genes making them vulnerable to dementia, for example. Or a childless couple could simply wipe a dribbling baby’s mouth to investigate the child’s genetic heritage and traits before deciding whether to adopt.

They also go into the different interpretations they received from each company, but there’s nothing new there; by now we know that there are different ways to interpret genetic probabilities in the current stage of knowledge.

What are your thoughts?

Image by Aaron Logan

Roughly 6 million years ago, the Hominini subtribe of the Hominidae family tree (the so-called “great apes”) diverged into two known branches, with one branch (genus Pan ) resulting in modern-day Chimpanzees and Bonobos, and the other branch (genus Homo) resulting in modern-day humans.

Since there has only been 6 million years of divergent evolution, Chimpanzees/Bonobos and Humans share a great deal of DNA sequence in common (although estimates vary widely and typically depend on what, exactly, is being considered in the comparison).

The Close Cousins DNA Project

On May 31, 2008, the Close Cousins DNA Project was launched by Bill Davenport as a result of a discussion on the Genealogy-DNA mailing list regarding the relatedness of human and chimpanzee Y-DNA.  From the launching post:

Three days ago, John Marsh sprung on us the idea of testing a chimpanzee on FTDNA’s standard 67 Y-DNA STR markers. To quote John: “Chimpanzee and Bonobo are sufficiently different to each other, and to humans, to make differences between their Y-DNA markers potentially interesting, and give insights into how mutations of Y STRs have wandered along over very long time periods. The common ancestor of humans and Chimps is about 100 times longer than the common ancestor of all human male lines”  Today, I am announcing the formation of the Chimpanzee Y-DNA Project. In FTDNA’s database it will be a Y-Haplogroup project and the official name is Close_Cousins. The original goal is for fun and curiosity since we don’t really know what we’ll get. But hopefully we make some interesting discoveries that may prove useful and encourage further research.

Goals of the Close Cousins Project

One of the goals of the Project is to obtain a DNA sample from a chimpanzee and a bonobo (preferably a cheek swab) and have it analyzed at 67 STR markers by Family Tree DNA.  Although the project has graciously received funds from a number of donors (see here for a list of these scientifically curious and kind donors) that will enable the purchase of a regular 67-marker test from FTDNA, there will almost certainly be extra analysis required due to 6 million years of sequence divergence.  However, Bennett Greenspan of FTDNA has kindly offered to cover the costs associated with extra processing.

Why compare the human Y-STR markers with the chimpanzee markers?  Aside from merely satisfying intellectual curiosity, this project could reveal interesting information about the mutation rates of some markers, among other information.

A Request for Help

Last December, I became a co-administrator of the Close Cousins Project with Bill Davenport.  As such, I am requesting your help in advancing this project.  Our biggest current hurdle is identifying a source of chimpanzee and bonobo Y-DNA.  Do you have any insightful ideas to share about how to obtain the necessary DNA?  Do you have an acquaintance who might have [legal] access to chimpanzees and/or bonobos?  Know someone who owns a chimpanzee and/or bonobo? We would appreciate any helpful suggestions or connections in our pursuit of this project.

A Postscript

Lastly, as a law student I am cognizant of the fact that collection of DNA from a non-human primate – even using a painless mouth swab – might trigger some state and/or federal regulations.  I am working to ensure that the project satisfies these regulations when collecting DNA from primates.

On March 14th and 15th of this year, Family Tree DNA hosted the 5th Annual Conference on Genetic Genealogy.  From the press release (pdf):

Each year, world renowned experts in genetics and science present cutting-edge developments and exciting new applications at this two-day educational forum which draws attendees from Family Tree DNA’s Group Administrators in North America and throughout the world. Among the speakers at the upcoming conference will be Dr. Spencer Wells, the director and population geneticist heading the National Geographic’s landmark Genographic Project as well as members of Family Tree DNA’s own highly respected scientific advisory board.

The schedule of the conference can be found here.  Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the conference this year, although I certainly hope to attend the next conference. 

Speakers

There were a number of interesting speakers, including the following:

Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project – Spencer Wells  (I was lucky enough to see Dr. Wells speak recently).
Privacy & Ethics of DNA Testing – Ricki Lewis (I’m not 100% sure, but I believe I took organic chemistry with Ms. Lewis’ husband during college).
Lessons Learned from Running a Large Surname Project – Bob McLaren
Advances in mtDNA – Doron Behar & William Hurst
Advances in TMRCA – Michael Hammer
A Walk Through the Y Update & NULL Alleles – Thomas Krahn
Updates to the Y-Chromosome Tree – Michael Hammer

Live Blogging

Thanks to Vincent Vizachero (twitter account vineviz), genetic genealogy has entered the world of live blogging via Twitter.  Vincent graciously tweeted throughout the conference, allowing those of use who didn’t attend to get live updates throughout the weekend.  It was a great experiment, one that many people appreciated.

Other News From the Conference

Following the conference, a few attendees have written about their experiences.  Emily Aulicino has written an interesting and detailed summary – with pictures – of the conference at “5th Annual Internatonal Family Tree DNA Conference 2009”.  Stephen Danko has written a series of posts about the conference, including “Back Home from the FTDNA Genetic Genealogy Conference,” “Privacy, Ethics, and DTC Legislation in DNA Testing,” “Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor,” and “Lessons from a Large DNA Project.”  And last but not least, Jim Simms wrote a summary of the conference at “A few highlights: 5th Annual Family Tree DNA Admin Conference.”

Thank you all for sharing this information with those of us that were unable to attend.

In my genealogical research, I have sometimes found myself missing the trees by focusing on the forest.  I think it happens to many genealogists – we get caught up in the research, the dates, the places, and we forget that there was so much more to people than their vital statistics.

This can happen to genetic genealogists as well.  The connection between the results of a DNA test and the individuals in our tree can be easy to forget and difficult to visualize.  Take the results of an mtDNA test, for example.  The results are obtained from a tiny piece of DNA that has traveled thousands of years (and often thousands of miles) through hundreds of individuals to end up in your cheek cells and on the tip of a swab.  Everyone’s mtDNA is the product of an amazingly rich story that has largely been lost to history.

However, we as genealogists can do our part to connect the DNA to as much of the story as possible and prevent further loss.  In your own recent past, who were the people that contributed your mtDNA, your Y-DNA, or your autosomal DNA?

Visualizing My mtDNA Line

This is a compilation of the five most recent generations of my mtDNA line over the past 125 years, as shown in photographs:

From Cora to me, my mtDNA traveled 2100 miles and 93 years.

Visualizing my Y-DNA Line

Here is the seven most recent generations of my Y-DNA line over the past 200 years, as shown in photographs:

Did you notice that everyone except my son in this compilation is wearing a tie?  From George to me, my Y-DNA traveled 164 years but just 70 miles.

HT: These photographs are modeled after a similar construct that John Gabourel posted to a genealogy group I belong to.  I thank him heartily for the idea.

Yesterday I posted about my recent testing experience with 23andMe, focusing on the health and traits information.  This post examines the genealogical aspects of testing at 23andMe.

Ancestry Information

Although I was interested in the health and traits information, I was most excited about the ancestral information.  23andMe’s test looks at mtDNA, Y-DNA, and autosomal coverage.  I believe that the company is working to report on ancestry of the X-chromosome, but as I have previously reported X-DNA ancestry can be extremely challenging.

This was my second foray into autosomal DNA testing.  In 2003 I purchased an AncestrybyDNA 2.0 test from DNAPrint Genomics.  The test looked at 71 Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) to determine percentages of Indo-European, East-Asian, Native-American, and African ancestry.  It is worth noting that before AncestrybyDNA went out of business (more info here), the company was offering more advanced tests that examined as many as 1,700 markers (still far below the number of markers used to quantify percentages at 23andMe and deCODEme).

My 2003 test showed the following ancestry percentages:

The results show that I was strongly Indo-European, which was not a surprise.  However, the test also suggested that my ancestry was 12% East Asian despite the fact that I am unaware of any Asian contributors to my DNA.  The AncestryByDNA test was often unable to distinguish between East Asian ancestry and Amerindian ancestry despite the fact that they reported the two separately.  Based on my understanding of my genealogy, I had concluded that the East Asian ancestry reported by AncestryByDNA was most likely Amerindian.

The Ancestry Painting created by 23andMe suggested that I was 98% European, 2% Asian, and >1% African:

Why the discrepancy between 23andMe’s test and the AncestrybyDNA test?  It is undoubtedly due to the number of markers included in the two tests.  This early AncestrybyDNA test looked at less than 75 markers, while the 23andMe test presumably examined thousands of locations.  Below is a graph of 23andMe’s autosomal coverage, although it is unclear how many of these SNP results are actually used to determine ancestry:

The 98% European certainly wasn’t a surprise, nor was the 2% Asian, although I’m quite certain that it is Amerindian based on other clues in my results and my genealogy (which we will see under “maternal ancestry”).  The small percentage of African DNA was surprising, although it has been suggested that the small percentage could be an artifact.  More research (and perhaps more testing) will be probably be required to fully understand the results.  It is certainly interesting, however, that the results line up so well with my understanding of the genealogical contributions to my DNA!

Maternal Ancestry

As I noted above, my autosomal results suggested that I am 2% Asian, which I interpreted to be 2% Native American.  This actually confirmed a hypothesis that I had formed after receiving my mtDNA results from Family Tree DNA many years ago.  My maternal haplogroup is A2, a distinctly Native American haplogroup.  My most distant maternal ancestor, a woman named Julia Ann Rebecca born c1820 probably in the Cayman Islands.  The people of the Cayman Islands have a very rich genetic background, encompassing individuals from Europe, Central America, and Africa.  It is likely that this portion of my ancestry also explains the <1% African DNA in my Ancestry Painting at 23andMe.

The 23andMe test confirmed that I belong to Haplogroup A.

Paternal Ancestry

And lastly, my Y-DNA SNPs revealed that I belong to Haplogroup R1b1c9, now known as R1b1b2a1a.  This confirmed results from Family Tree DNA.  After receiving my results, I downloaded my Y-DNA SNPs and contributed them to the Y-Chromsome Genome Comparison Project (more information here).  This project compiles the SNPs into a public spreadsheet for use by researchers to identify novel SNPs.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about the testing process or ancestry results that I didn’t address, please feel free to leave a comment.  If you are interested in learning more, Andrew Meyer at BUZZYEAH posted a series similar to this one in which he analyzed some of his own results:

How Breast Cancer and Other Four Star-Rated Topics Relate to My DNA, Part 1 (Apr 11, 2008)
Fun with mtDNA: Exploring my Maternal Ancestry (Apr 12, 2008)
Fun with Y Chromosomes: Exploring my Paternal Ancestry (Apr 16, 2008)
How Heart Attack and Other Four Star-Rated Topics Relate to My DNA, Part 2 (Apr 24, 2008)
Visualization of My Genetic Similarity to People Around the World (Apr 30, 2008)
Just Downloaded a File Containing my Raw Genome Data. Now What? (May 4, 2008)

This is the first entry in a two-part series describing my recent experiences with genetic testing through 23andMe.  Although I was most excited by the genetic genealogy information provided by the results, I thought that readers might be interested in some of the health and trait information as well.  If I forget to discuss something, feel free to ask in the comments and I’ll do my best to respond.

Note that this discussion is limited to a cursory analysis of my results.  Anyone who is considering testing through 23andMe should be aware that scientists are only just beginning to study and understand the connection between genetics and health, and thus the results are not meant to be interpreted as absolutes.  Be sure to analyze your own results with this caveat in mind, and do your own research into the testing process.

23andMe

Since many others have discussed the 23andMe kit and the spitting process, I won’t go over that here other than to provide a picture of my actual testing kit:

Although the typical processing time is 4 to 6 weeks, my sample took a little longer to process because 23andMe was still working with the New York Department of Health regarding samples collected in New York.  Lucky for me I was very familiar with this situation and had decided to collect my sample outside New York.

Health and Traits

In addition to ancestry, 23andMe’s SNP results are examined for information about over 90 different types of health and traits.  I found the health and traits analysis to be very interesting.  Some of it, based on my own knowledge of my family history, was unsurprising.  As important as genetics may be in the future for predicting predilection for disease, there will always be a place for family health history (and apparently the U.S. Surgeon General agrees).  There were, however, some health and trait results that I did not expect, especially regarding gene variants that can influence genetic disorders in females (and thus might be something to keep in mind if I have a daughter).

Blood Type

Interestingly, 23andMe does not report on ABO blood groups even though the v2 chip collects this data (although 23andMe is planning to do so in the future).  For example, I knew I was Blood Type A, but I didn’t know if I was AA or AO  A member of the 23andMe community – which I’ve spent a great deal of time perusing – provided directions for deciphering blood type.  Turns out I’m AO.

It was also fun to confirm the genetic basis behind some of my physical characteristics.  I have wet earwax, if you were just dying to know.  You can read more about the earwax gene at the NYT and at Gene Expression.  I can also taste bitter, meaning that perhaps I shouldn’t like raw broccoli and brussels sprouts as much as I do!

CCR5

Some time ago I wrote “Are you immune to HIV and smallpox?” about the CCR5 gene.  A certain variant of the CCR5 gene has a 32 base-pair deletion (CCR5-delta32) and has been suggested to provide a measurable degree of protection against certain viruses such as the HIV virus.  Scientists theorize that it might have been selected for during viral plagues in human history.  The CCR5-delta32 allele is nearly absent among Amerindians and East Asians but is found in some African populations. The allele is found in high concentration among Eurasians. Indeed, the average frequency of the allele among European populations is estimated to be as high as 10%.

Since my ancestry is largely European, I thought it was possible that I had at least one copy of the CCR5-delta32 allele.  However, my 23andMe results show that I have two intact versions of CCR5:

Type 2 Diabetes

The 23andMe test also examines 9 SNPs believed to be related to Type 2 Diabetes.  As shown below, my results suggest that I might be more prone to Type 2 diabetes than the average European; my estimated incidence is 33.5 out of 100 compared to 21.9 out of 100.  There is diabetes in my family, so this result was not unexpected.  Current understanding is that genetic factors account for only 26% of the risk of diabetes.

So what do these results really mean for me?  Exactly the same thing that a family history of diabetes means – I need to eat healthy and exercise (and so do my children).

You might ask yourself why I feel comfortable posting this information online, specifically where an insurance company could find it.  The answer is two-fold; first, for a number of reasons, I believe that the fear of insurance companies using our genetic data against us is overblown; and second, the insurance companies already obtain this information in an slightly more abstract form when they ask about family history.  With the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, however, health insurers will no longer be able to ask about family history, precisely because family history belies genetic information (note that life insurers and other types of insurers WILL still be able to inquire about family history and genetic tests).

Browse Raw Data

Another great feature is the ability to browse your raw SNP data, including the results that have not yet been associated with any disease or trait (which is the vast majority of the SNPs).  The data is broken into 22 pairs of chromosomes, the sex chromosomes (XX or XY), and mtDNA.  The data can be searched by gene or SNP name, or can be browsed randomly.  This feature is useful whenever I come across a new study that suggests a link between SNP(s) and a genetic trait or propensity for a genetic disorder; I can look up my own result for this particular SNP.

I can also download all my own data.  I used this option to download my Y chromosome SNPs for Y-Chromosome Genome Comparison, which I’ll discuss more of in a later post.

Conclusion

This post included just a few thoughts about my testing experience, excluding my ancestry results.  Tomorrow’s post will examine that aspect of the testing.

In October 2007, I wrote about the launch of GeneTree (see “Sorenson Genomic’s GeneTree Launches”), a “DNA-enabled family history-sharing Web site.”  Today, GeneTree has announced that it is out of beta and has added advanced features for users.

Press Release

Following is the press release from GeneTree:

SALT LAKE CITY (March 9, 2009)—GeneTree today announced its free family Web site has completed beta testing and now offers those who sign in a simple, intuitive way to regularly communicate with their extended family and to securely share and store family contact information, personal profiles, photos, video and ancestry documents. Advanced features now available through GeneTree’s redesigned graphic interface include GEDCOM file-format import for family tree collaboration, paternal line genetic genealogy and an all-new family tree building tool.

“We are very pleased to provide families with this fun and easy way to regularly connect and stay close to each other regardless of how scattered they may be geographically,” said GeneTree President and COO Matt Cupal. “GeneTree has the most complete set of features available for sharing family stories, but we go further by fully integrating genetic genealogy options for those who would like to use family DNA to search for living relatives and ancestors.”

A new Y-DNA genetic test enables individuals to research paternal line connections of a male relative, and complements GeneTree’s existing maternal line mtDNA test. Y-DNA results show ancestry and connections to DNA cousins within the past few hundred years.

The opportunity to find and connect with “lost” or unknown extended family members through the world’s most extensive correlated genetic genealogy database is a compelling GeneTree feature. “My 82-year-old mother was almost in tears when I told her we had found a branch of our family that we had lost touch with long ago,” said Rosemary Totton, of Auckland, New Zealand. “Now we are back in contact and I’m excited to learn one of my cousins has old family photos to share with us. In the future we may look at our family’s Y-DNA, as well. This has opened a new door for me.”

Another powerful new GeneTree feature promotes collaboration on ancestry information by allowing the upload of GEDCOM files. GEDCOM is the most common genealogy file format used by all major family history Web sites and software applications. The all-new family tree builder allows an individual to choose a preferred layout, create trees of more than 1,000 relatives and to invite others to join the network and view the chart.

Powerful photo- and video-sharing tools organize a family’s digital media into albums and allow them to be seen by others. Family members can collaborate on identifying people in photos and photo tagging allows a person easy tracking of all photos in which they appear. Tagging photos automatically sends out invitations to people named.

A new GeneTree family news feature keeps relatives continuously in the loop. Family members update their own news daily and at the end of the week a digest is automatically emailed to others on their list. A birthday reminder automatically sends out a birthday greeting on the morning of a relative’s birthday. In addition, a feature unique to GeneTree allows users to record a biological relative’s DNA profile as their own for purposes of searching for DNA cousins and to extend their own genealogy chart. Families can divide the cost of testing one member and then share results.

“We believe every family should take advantage of our free Web site,” said Cupal. “This is the best way for relatives to stay connected, share memories, build family trees and securely share and store documents. With GeneTree, it is easier than ever to build a lasting legacy for your own family.”

About GeneTree

GeneTree (www.genetree.com) is a free family Web site enabling relatives to easily communicate on an everyday basis; to securely share contact information, personal profiles, photos, video and other family documents; and to build family trees. GeneTree also provides individuals with the option to integrate industry-leading DNA testing into family history research for a scientific window into their ancestry and to find living relatives for whom no paper records exist. GeneTree users are linked to the world’s most extensive correlated genetic genealogy database.

Image via CrunchBase

DAVIDE at the European Genetics and Anthropology Blog recently posted two interviews (here and here) with customers of 23andMe’s large-scale genome scanning service, one from Finland and one from the U.S.

It’s very interesting to see the responses of these anonymous individuals, particularly since they are from different countries.

For example, both were asked why they decided to purchase the 23andMe test – “Was it to test your ancestry or genetic health risk factors?”  Interestingly, for both individuals ancestry was the motivating factor behind testing.  More support for my conclusion that these companies should strongly promote the ancestral aspects of their products.

Other Questions

Here are a few examples of other questions in the interviews:

Q: How would you rate the accuracy of the scan against what you know about your origins?

Q: Has the information about your ancestry changed how you now identify ethnically or look at certain cultures or world regions? For example, do you now show more interest in Asia knowing that you have some East Asian admixture?

Q: Were you in any way disappointed with the results? For example, were you let down by where you ended up on the genetic maps or who your closest individual matches were?

Q: Looking back, was the experience worth the $399? Will you recommend the test to your family and friends?

If you are thinking about testing at a genome scanning company, be sure to read these interviews to get a feel for the process.

HT: Daniel MacArthur at Genetic Future.

In February, I received a number of comments and emails which suggested that DNAPrint Genomics was not processing results and could not be reached by telephone.  DNAPrint was one of the first companies to offer ‘large-scale’ autosomal testing, although their tests were unable to compete with the testing currently offered by companies like 23andMe and deCODEme.

Indeed, the company has recently ceased operations.  From the site: “DNAPrint® Genomics, Inc. has regrettably ceased operations. We thank you for your support.”  As I wrote last February, the company was scheduled to be purchased by Nanobac Pharmaceuticals, but the deal fell through shortly thereafter.

GenomeWeb Announces DNAPrint’s Demise

From an announcement today at GenomeWeb – “DNAPrint Genomics Goes Bust”:

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Genetic testing company DNAPrint Genomics has shut down its operations, according to a notice on its website.

The Sarasota, Fla.-based firm shut down operations sometime during the past month. Its most recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission was on Feb. 9, in which it announced that its President and CEO Richard Gabriel had resigned from the firm as well as its subsidiaries Ellipsis Biotherapeutics and Trace Genetics.

The cash-strapped firm, which had been trading on the Pink Sheets, had inked a deal a year ago to be acquired by Nanobac Pharmaceuticals. However, the deal fell apart after Nanobac was unable to raise additional funds before a deadline on March 31, 2008.

Attempts by GenomeWeb Daily News to reach company officials were unsuccessful.