Native American Genetic Studies
Genetic Studies conducted over the last 10 years on full-blooded indigenous
populations from North, Central, and South America (the New World) has
identified a limited number of shared genetic markers. These markers have very
specific modes of inheritance and are relatively unique to populations with
Native American Ancestry. There are 2 types of inheritance pattern categories
that these markers follow, either a directly paternal linkage (father-to-son) or
a directly maternal linkage (mother-to-all her children).
Mitochondrial DNA and Maternal Inheritance
The markers passed from mother to children are carried in the mitochondrial DNA
(mtDNA) and are referred to as haplogroups A, B, C, D, and X. Nearly 100% of
Native American peoples can be classified into one of these 5 mtDNA haplogroups.
These haplogroups are almost exclusive to Native American people and are found
at very low frequencies outside this population.
The haplogroup variants are identified using enzymes designed to detect the
presence or absence of slight genetic changes, a method called RFLP. mtDNA
haplogroups are defined based on how these enzymes behave in certain regions of
the mtDNA genome. NOTE: Similar mtDNA haplogroups (i.e. H, I, J, K, L, M, etc.)
have geographic affinities in other populations.
Y-chromosome and Paternal Inheritance
Markers on the Y-chromosome are inherited form father to son. Similar to mtDNA
New World markers, several Y-chromosome markers are shared by Native New World
populations. Recently, a nucleotide variant on the Y-chromosome, designated
DYS199T, was found to be highly specific for males with Native New World
ancestry. The presence or absence of this marker is screened RFLP.
The following related DNA tests are available to better handle your situation if necessary:
1.) GeneTree DNA Native American (Y-chromosome) determines if a person descends from a Native American ancestor strictly for paternal
lines
2.) GeneTree DNA Special Specimen Collection Kit enables
you to perform a GeneTree DNA test using other types of biological specimens.
3.) GeneTree DNA Biological Stain Analysis enables you
to characterize a stain for blood, semen, saliva, etc.