Today, we are able to obtain inexpensive DNA tests to support and focus traditional genealogical research for the two outermost lines on one’s pedigree or ancestry as shown by the chart below.  For the two children (one male and one female) shown at the bottom of this pedigree, their male surname line (verified by a Y-chromosome test) is shown by blue squares and the uninterrupted female line (verified by a mtDNA test) is shown by the pink circles.

Notice that by the 5th generation in the pedigree chart below, that only 2 of the 16 ancestors (the non colored squares and circles) in that generation can be identified via today’s DNA tests and databases.

The blue squares show the inheritance pattern of the Y-chromosome.  The Y-chromosome is subject to only small degrees of mutation and it is passed almost unchanged from father to son.  Therefore, a Y-chromosome test would be helpful when the analysis is attempting to verify a male line, allowing individuals sharing the same last name to verify possible relationships even in the absence of written records.

^{Applying the knowledge that we all share common ancestors is essential to constructing a correlated genetic and genealogical database to address those ancestors not in the two outside lines of the pedigree chart.}

^{At least one organization, the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) is applying the knowledge that we all share common ancestors to constructing a database that will permit us to reveal the clues available to us in our autosomal DNA to support genealogical research for those lines in the middle of the pedigree chart. With the information derived from this new database, it will be possible to identify common ancestors among the general population.}

^{The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded specifically to build a correlated genetic and genealogical database.  SMGF absorbed the Molecular Genealogy Research Project (MGRP), under the direction of molecular biologist, Dr. Scott R. Woodward.   Dr. Woodward originally initiated this correlated database project at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. This project is now consolidated at the SMGF facilities in Salt Lake City.}

^{To build the correlated database, SMGF, is collecting both genealogies and DNA samples from people from all over the world (Note: Robert B. Noles turned in his personal genealogy and his DNA for this project in 2001, when this project was first initiated).  The genetic and genealogical samples obtained are assigned a code that identifies the information in the database, without compromising the confidentiality of the donors.  After using appropriate laboratory techniques to analyze the DNA (not to be described here) from the samples provided by participants, SMGF technicians enter both the genetic and genealogical information into their new database.  This program initially envisioned collecting DNA samples and 4-generation pedigrees from 10,000 individuals to construct this correlated database (not near enough in turns out) to build a worthwhile database.  SMGF’s current goals have been expanded to seeking more than a million participants and they now recognize the need to obtain genealogies beyond just four generations.  As of mid 2004, about 40,000 individuals from around the world have contributed DNA samples and copies of their pedigree charts to this important project.}

^{Once all the DNA samples and genealogies have been collected from the volunteer participants, the fascinating process of correlating the genetic and genealogical information begins.  This will be the world’s first genetic resource that uses autosomal DNA to assist individuals with their specific genealogies.}

^{When the development of the SMGF correlated database is far enough along (in a couple more years), genealogists from all over the world will be given the opportunity (via a Web search) to use this database.  Hopefully, we will find that this fascinating project has produced a valuable new research tool for genealogists who have run in to a ‘brick wall’ on one or more of their lines.  When the correlated genetic and genealogical database is ready for public release, free access to it will be available through their Web site. However, in order to search their database, interested inquirers, regardless of past participation, will be required to obtain their own genetic marker profile specific for the query of interest.  As discussed elsewhere under DNA-101, there are now a number of commercial labs available for this purpose.}

^{SMGF expects the correlated genetic and genealogical database to facilitate the following goals:}

^{Assist people get past ‘brick walls’ within their genealogies by providing information about their specific ancestors to whom they are related who were born prior to 1900.}

^{Inform people, especially those with no specific knowledge of their ancestors, as to where they are from and to what ancestral lines they are related.}

^{Cluster people together according to their genetic makeup.}

^{Demonstrate historic migration patterns.}

Stay tuned to learn more about the exciting developments for genealogists based on the SMGF correlated genetic and genealogical database.