Molecular Genealogy
Project Traces Human Origins

Researchers Determining the Genetic
Composition of Major Populations
Throughout the World

Salt Lake City, UT - Worldwide there is intense interest in the origins and histories of people. By utilizing the genetic record that each individual retains of his or her past, it is possible through molecular biology to reveal important clues as to the origin and relationship of any individual to other persons or populations. Dr. Scott Woodward and his research group at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, are among the pioneers in this new research field. The Molecular Genealogy Research Group, under his direction, is using the genetic information contained in human DNA to reconstruct worldwide family trees.

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.

By applying the principles and techniques of molecular biology to the question human origins and genealogy geneticists can links individuals together in "family trees" based on the unique identification of genetic markers. Scientists accomplish this by using the information encoded in the DNA, particularly mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), of an individual and/or population to determine the relatedness of individuals, families, tribal groups, and populations. 

Moreover, 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. Pedigrees based on genetic markers can reveal relationships not detectable in genealogies based only on names, written records, or oral traditions. 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 begin to "coalesce" into common ancestors.

Since one of the goals of this research is to establish genotypic links in each population and between each of the populations 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. This should furnish a definitive explanation of the fate of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and provide researchers new insights into the archaeology and history of the Bible lands.

The Molecular Genealogy Research Group seeks to build a database containing over 100,000 DNA samples from individuals all over the world. Each participant will complete a biological pedigree chart of at least four generations and provide a small blood sample. Once the database has sufficient samples to represent the world's genetic make-up, it will eventually help in solving many issues regarding genealogies, peoples, population movements, and tribal identities, that could not be done by relying only on traditional written records. In theory, anyone will someday be able to trace his or her family origins through this database.

The Molecular Genealogy Research Group would like to hear from people with known genealogies that would be willing to participate in this study and help in building the database. Being 18 and older and having at least a four-generation pedigree chart are the two qualifications necessary to participate in the study.