Native American DNA Verification Testing

FIGURE 1: This DNA migration pattern map, created from compiled research on DNA populations around the world, demonstrates that the first Humans originated in Africa about 130-180 thousand years ago. Notes: a) mtDNA macro-lineage L is predominant in Africa, b) mt-DNA macro-lineages M and N are found throughout Eurasia and Australia, c) mtDNA lineages H, I , J, K, T, N, U, V, W and X are predominant in West Eurasia, d) mtDNA lineages A, B, C, D, E, F, G, M, P, Q and Z are predominant in Asia and Oceania, and e) mtDNA lineages A, B, C, D, and X are found in the Americas.

mtDNA 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 (Figure 1). Nearly 100% of Native American peoples can be classified into one of these 5 mtDNA haplogroups. These haplogroups are nearly exclusive to Native American people, and specific subtypes of these haplogroups are found at very low frequencies outside this population. The sample Native American Report (PDF) illustrates a positive result for haplogroup A, and the summary of information that is provided with this result.

mtDNA Haplogroups:

·	Haplogroup A (see Migration Frequency Chart) is highest in frequency in the Arctic/Subarctic of North America and nearly absent in non-Athapaskan-speaking folk in the Southwest

·	Haplogroup B is in highest frequency in the Southwest of North America

·	Haplogroup C is highest in frequency in Eastern North America

·	Haplogroup D is highest in frequency in populations from Western North America.

·	Haplogroup X is highest in Algonquian speaking populations of the Great Lakes Region.

Y-chromosome (Y-Marker) and Paternal Inheritance

Markers on the Y-chromosome are inherited from father to son. Similar to mtDNA New World markers, several Y-chromosome markers are shared by Native American populations. Recently, 4 nucleotide variants on the Y-chromosome, designated DYS199T, M45, RPS4Y711 and M242 were found to be highly specific for males with Native American paternal ancestry. The presence or absence of this marker is screened by RFLP in the Phase 1 of the Y-Marker Native American Test. The Sample Data Interpretation Report illustrates a positive result for Y-marker RPS4Y711, and includes a summary of information associated with this marker.

If one of these 4 Y-markers test positive for Native American Ancestry on the paternal line, then the DNA test is taken a step further in order to provide a more descriptive indication as to tribal and or geographical origin. This is the Phase 2 Y-Marker Native American Test.

Y-Marker Haplogroups:

·	DYS199 (or M3) is part of haplogroup Q. This group is fixed in many Native American populations and is in high frequency in nearly all populations.

·	M45 is part of haplogroup P. This group is found in lower frequencies than Q but is still found throughout the Americas.

·	RPS4Y711 is part of haplogroup F. This group is found in higher frequencies in Athapaskan speaking groups.

·	M242 is part of haplogroup P. This group is found in lower frequencies throughout the Americas.

Method:

The haplogroup variants are identified using DNA analysis procedures designed to detect the presence or absence of slight genetic changes. mtDNA haplogroups are defined based on the DNA sequence 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 (See Figure 1).