The Genetic Genealogist

A recent article by Ronald Bailey in reasononline asks whether genetic tests actually need more federal regulation.  It’s probably clear that I strongly support the individual’s right to their own genetic information via DTC testing, but this viewpoint is rarely seen or endorsed in the press.  Bailey concludes:

“There may well be some inaccurate tests and there will certainly be people who mislead customers about the meaning of certain tests. But do we really need additional federal regulation to weed out bad actors? Most evidence suggests that the current tests are fairly accurate, and that customers are not being misled by the results that are reported. All new technologies involve a societal learning process in which some early adopters try it out, explain to others how it works, and find out its flaws—which newer innovators then fix.”

Accuracy of DTC Testing

The article also briefly discussed the accuracy of DTC testing (something I’ve covered here before – Accuracy of Large-Scale Genome Scanning Services):

“[The author] asked Princeton University molecular biologist Lee Silver via email how accurate the DTC genotype scanning tests are. “I ran an analysis on personal genome results obtained from 23andMe and DeCODE for me,” Silver replied. “There were about 300,000 data points that overlapped between the two tests. There was not a single data point (among 300,000) that was scored positive in one test and negative in the other.” Silver is satisfied with accuracy of such screening tests.”

SALT LAKE CITY (May 26, 2009) – GeneTree and Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) today announced a special offer to the tens of thousands of men who donated their Y-DNA samples and pedigree information to the non-profit SMGF’s genetic genealogy database. At a deeply discounted price, participants now may access their Y-DNA profiles through GeneTree and employ the site’s extensive tools, including the SMGF database, to search and connect with genetic relatives.

SMGF has been building the database-the world’s most diverse collection of genetic genealogy information-since 2000 through donation of DNA samples and four-generation genealogy questionnaires by people interested in helping the foundation succeed in its goal of connecting the human family through genetic genealogy. Until the launch of GeneTree in Oct. 2007, SMGF did not have a way to provide participants with their genetic profiles in a meaningful form. Now for $49.50, or about one-third of the typical price, SMGF participants can receive their Y-DNA profiles through GeneTree.

“We are delighted to be able to thank those who chose to help the SMGF database project,” said Matt Cupal, president and COO of GeneTree. “We think the easy-to-use and powerful genetic genealogy tools on GeneTree will help them get the most out of their DNA profiles and help them understand their own history within the larger human genetic story.”

Y-DNA is genetic material passed down exclusively from a father to sons. SMGF participants who submitted their mitochondrial DNA, passed down from a mother to each child, received a similar offer in March 2008, and may still unlock their mitochondrial DNA profile through GeneTree for $49.95.

“We believe this is the finest way we can express our appreciation to individuals who helped build the SMGF database into the foremost genetic genealogy collection of its type in the world,” said Dr. Scott Woodward, executive director of SMGF. “Collaboration with GeneTree allows us to provide contributors with their DNA profiles in a useful and confidential manner.”

Currently, the SMGF database contains more than 100,000 DNA samples and over 7.5 million corresponding genealogical records from participants in 170 nations throughout the world.

Instructions for obtaining SMGF DNA profiles for participation on GeneTree are available at www.genetree.com/dna/unlock_smgf. Approximately two weeks after receipt by GeneTree of the participant’s request, results will be available on the GeneTree Web site.

Beyond free basic membership, GeneTree offers 33-marker Y-DNA tests for $149 and 46-marker tests for $179. Enhanced maternal lineage mitochondrial DNA tests are $179.

About GeneTree
GeneTree (www.genetree.com) is mapping the world’s DNA using genetic genealogy. GeneTree’s Web site allows easy connection to genetic cousins, collaboration on family trees, and sharing of personal profiles and photos. GeneTree also provides the option for participants to integrate into their family history research their DNA profiles, through one of the world’s most respected DNA laboratories, 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.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation
The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF; www.smgf.org) is a non-profit research organization that has created the world’s largest repository of correlated genetic and genealogical information. The free, publicly available SMGF database currently contains information about more than seven million ancestors through linked DNA samples and pedigree charts from more than 170 countries, or approximately 90 percent of the nations of the world. The foundation’s purpose is to foster a greater sense of identity, connection and belonging among all people by showing how closely we are connected as members of a single human family.

In January I wrote about Benjaman Kyle, an amnesiac who was found on August 31, 2004 next to a dumpster behind a Burger King in Richmond Hill, Georgia.  In that post, “Using Genetic Genealogy to Solve the Mystery of Benjaman Kyle,” I suggested that a Y-DNA test might be helpful in elucidating Mr. Kyle’s biological surname.  Y-DNA testing has shown to be highly useful for identifying unknown surnames (see here and here), and so I contacted Mr. Kyle to suggest the possibility.

The Results Are In

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Kyle took a 67-marker test from Family Tree DNA.  The results, announced it seems by Kimberly Powell of Kimberly’s Genealogy Blog, suggest that his surname might actually be POWELL or a variant thereof.  His results are now part of the Powell Surname DNA Project as kit #140314 where he very closely matches the “Joseph Powell Group.”  See more here.  From Kimberly’s post:

A 50/60 year old amnesia victim going by the name of Benjaman Kyle recently had his Y-DNA tested in an attempt to learn something about his origins; resulting in a close 37 marker connection with several members of the POWELL Surname DNA surname project at FamilyTreeDNA. Interestingly, just like the Unclaimed Persons Web site, founded by Megan Smolenyak, which brings together genealogists with medical examiners, coroners, and investigators searching for next of kin of recently deceased individuals, amnesia victims also have groups of volunteers who help try to reunite them with family. You can read more of the discussion on Benjaman Kyle at WebSleuths.com, which is where using genealogy as a possible tool was suggested.

The Indianapolis Star ran a story last month – Man with Amnesia Still Searching for his Past – that mentioned the DNA testing but failed to mention the potential POWELL link.

Proof?

This isn’t proof that Benjaman’s last name before he suffered from amnesia was Powell.  He might have legally changed his name, or there might have been some other non-paternal event that introduced the Y-DNA into the family (infidelity, adoption, etc…) such that Benjaman possessed the [potentially] Powell Y-DNA at birth but did not have the Powell surname.  In any event, this is a new clue that might help Mr. Kyle rediscover his identity.

Pathway Genomics, a new DTC genetic testing company that I discussed earlier at “Pathway Genomics Goes Live,” has begun sending out test kits.  The following quote and picture are from “DishyMix: Susan Bratton Podcasts & Blogs Famous Executives”:

“I Twittered a week or so ago that my friend, Chris D’Eon is a founder of Pathway Genomics and I was going to get my DNA tested. I got a lot of response to that one little Tweet, so I thought I’d share more with you about it.”

Disclosure: I am currently a consultant for Pathway Genomics.

Personal Update:

I also wanted to let everyone know that my second son was born 3.5 weeks ago, and yesterday I graduated from law school.  It’s been a crazy few weeks, and now it’s time to start studying for the NY bar before starting work full-time in the fall.  Wish me luck!