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Launch of Free Maternal Lineage Database Doubles Usefulness of Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Project, Provides Direct Benefits for Women

Posted on: Monday, 18 September 2006, 09:00 CDT

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

-- Foundation building world's largest searchable databases of linked genetic and family history information adds mtDNA database to complement existing paternal Y-chromosome database. Now women researching their ancestry can directly search SMGF database using own DNA test results.

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), a nonprofit foundation building the world's largest collection of integrated genetic and family history information, today announced that free maternal lineage searches are available through a new mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) database on its interactive Web site, www.smgf.org.

mtDNA is a powerful tool for tracing maternal ancestry for both men and women because it is inherited by children exclusively from their mothers. The foundation's existing Y-chromosome DNA database is the world's largest searchable repository of genetic profiles linked with family history information. On the new mtDNA database, women can research their ancestry directly using their own genetic test results, rather than needing to use a male relative's Y-chromosome DNA profile.

"This is a big step for people exploring their genealogies because they are no longer limited to paternal line ancestry searches of the Y-chromosome database," said Scott Woodward, executive director of SMGF. "This set of linked mitochondrial DNA and pedigree data greatly expands people's capacity to research their ancestry using genetic profiles. Integrating written family history records and DNA means ancestry searches can yield richer results than were ever before possible."

The ability to leap ancestry research roadblocks with DNA testing has revolutionized the popular hobby of family research, much of which now takes place on the Internet. SMGF is the creation of billionaire biotechnology pioneer and philanthropist James LeVoy Sorenson, whose intention is to map the entire human family tree and to make that information available to the public on a free database.

"Tracing maternal ancestries is an extremely rewarding experience for families," said Sorenson. "And offering this new database furthers our core mission of promoting connection and compassion within the human family."

For more than five years, SMGF has collected genetic samples and their correlated genealogies from around the world to build its databases. The databases include samples from participants representing 3.3 million ancestors from more than 450 nationalities. The database expands as the foundation continues to collect DNA samples and genealogies from around the world.

Participating in the foundation's mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA databases is free, convenient and private. Simply request a kit on the SMGF Web site and then submit a DNA sample and an accompanying family history chart with at least four generations. Any individual can search the SMGF database for genetic-genealogy information for free by obtaining his or her DNA profile from a commercial genomics laboratory and entering the results into the Web site's database search menu. In addition, all SMGF database participants can receive a voucher for a deeply discounted DNA test from Relative Genetics. Details can be found on the SMGF Web site (www.smgf.org) or on Relative Genetics' Web site, www.relativegenetics.com.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (www.smgf.org) is a nonprofit research organization whose mission is to collect DNA samples within a genealogical context to create the world's most comprehensive correlated genetic and genealogical database; to provide the funding necessary to construct genetic tools from the information contained within the database for the purpose of family history research, and to maintain the integrity of the database content and ensure it is used for purposes that will promote peace, compassion and fellowship among humankind.

Source: Business Wire

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