Group Administrator:
David Pike - Email:
dapike@mun.ca
- Email:
terry@worldfamilies.net, sjanabauer@sbcglobal.net, kippeeb@rogers.com
Project Background
The current phylogenetic classification schemes for mtDNA haplogroup T and its subgroups have typically been based on either Control Region data (such as the hypervariable regions HVR1 and HVR2) or Coding Region data, but generally not both. The result is that there are two separate classification schemes which are not always in agreement with each other (for instance, there are cases where HVR1 data suggests membership in one subgroup of T whereas Coding Region data suggests membership in a different subgroup).
This research project will conduct a study of mtDNA haplogroup T based on Full Genomic Sequence (FGS) data (i.e., on both the Coding and the Control Regions) from a large cohort of members of the haplogroup. Among the project's goals is that of reconciling the differences between the two current classification schemes. Further, by deliberately targetting members of haplogroup T, the development of a comprehensive phylogenetic network should be possible. In contrast, the development of the existing Coding Region phylogeny has been a piece-meal process in which the phylogenetic network has been repeatedly revised as new data have sporadically trickled in from throughout the academic community when new T sequences have (by chance) been observed.
The success of this project will rely on the participation of members of mtDNA haplogroup T. We are grateful for the support of FamilyTreeDNA, which has agreed to provide discounted FGS pricing to members of this research project. Specifically, FamilyTreeDNA has agreed to perform the genetic analysis for our project at a cost of $361 US for each participant whose DNA is already in FamilyTreeDNA's custody (otherwise the cost will be $395, due to the additional expense involved in the initial DNA extraction, plus appropriate postage costs). These special rates are valid until 31 August 2008.
Participation in this research project is restricted to people who are already known to belong to mtDNA haplogroup T (i.e., anybody who is T, T*, T1, T2, T3, etc.).
We have developed a separate webpage that answers several frequently asked questions. If you have a question not yet answered, please feel free to ask.
How to Join
The process of joining this project involves a sequence of steps:
- First you make a request to join the project. FamilyTreeDNA clients who are not currently logged in to the FamilyTreeDNA system will be prompted to enter their kit number and password (and then click the small "Submit" button) so that the FamilyTreeDNA system can automatically register their request to join. Members of mtDNA haplogroup T who are not yet FamilyTreeDNA clients should select the second option that appears when following the link to request to join the project.
[If you encounter difficulty with the FamilyTreeDNA website when trying to register your request to join, then email your kit number (if you have one) to David at dapike@math.mun.ca and we can process things in a less automated manner.]
- We will be automatically notified of your request, and will shortly thereafter contact you by email. Our email to you will include a copy of the project's consent form.
- You then need to email us back saying that you agree with the terms of the consent form. If you have not had an HVR1 mtDNA test with FamilyTreeDNA, then we will also need some other evidence of your membership in mtDNA haplogroup T.
- We will then approve your request to join the project. If we subsequently find that you are not eligible to join the project (for instance, if you are not in mtDNA haplogroup T), then we will withdraw you from the project.
- Shortly after approving your join request and confirming your eligibility, if you have not already had a FGS test performed then we will proceed to order a FGS test on your behalf and will also direct staff at FamilyTreeDNA to extend the project's FGS pricing to you.
The Research Team
This project is being carried out by:
- Terry Barton (terry@bartonsite.org)
- Sjana Bauer (sjanabauer@sbcglobal.net)
- Elizabeth Kipp (kippeeb@rogers.com)
- David Pike (dapike@math.mun.ca)
Project Status
The recruitment stage of the project concluded on 31 August 2008, by which time over 250 members of mtDNA haplogroup T had joined the project.
As of mid-October 2008 about 65 FGS test results remained pending. Once the bulk of these outstanding tests are completed we will move on to analysing the pool of data that has been collected.
As of mid-April 2009, we have 257 FGS results on hand. No FGS tests remain pending at the lab.