MITOCHONDRIAL DNA DATABASES
First some caveats as to
what one can expect from the available databases. It must be noted that
mitochondrial DNA haplogroups have a very limited role to play in genealogical
research. By studying the results of testing of HVR1 (Hypervariable
Region 1) with its 400 possible "mutation" sites one can categorize
the "scores" into broad haplogroups such as U5 or K, but it is quite
likely that you will find that these designations are found widely distributed
throughout Europe, and that you scores are often shared by large numbers of
individuals - most of whom are unrelated to you within a genealogical time
frame. However, since the Shetland Islands is a small isolated region,
the utility of this data may increase significantly. Likely, however, all
you are going to be able to do is to say that your haplogroup is found in, for
example, Italy and Russia. Then of course you are going to wonder how
your female ancestor ended up in Shetland - but an answer may be
elusive. By adding values in the HVR2 (Hypervariable Region 2) matrix it
offers enough variability that you may be able to find a match that has some
genealogical significance - where comparing notes may prove worthwhile. Here
follow the databases that can be checked to garner further information on the
scores obtained via your FTDNA testing:
1) Family Tree
DNA "DNA Matches". If you tested with this company, clearly
this is the first source that should be explored before any other searches are
made. The databases are found on your personal webpage that is provided
by FTDNA (accessed via www.familytreedna.com with your kit number and
password). This is your starting point. You will see the number of
those who are an exact match to you along with their e-mail addresses (if
provided). Record (print) your "mt Results" since this is the
information you will need in comparison with other databases. The HVR1
results (the haplogroup and the mutation numbers) are the most useful
for broad comparison with the worldwide databases noted below.
2) Mitochondrial
DNA Concordance HVR1. Using the haplogroup and mutation values,
compare your findings with the charts on this site to see where in Europe
and adjacent areas a majority of your matches are found. The
site can be accessed at: http://shelob.bioanth.cam.ac.uk/mtDNA/
.
3) Mitochondrial
DNA (mtDNA). Test Result Log Book . This database was set up
by Charles Kerchner as a site comparable to the "ybase" site for Y -
Chromosome signatures. Individuals (including participants in the present
project) are encouraged to submit their own information such that over the
years the database will have grown to become a useful tool to genealogists. the
URL is http://www.kerchner.com/cgi-kerchner/mtdna.cgi .
4) Oxford
Ancestors. This company also offers mtDNA testing of HRV1. “Guests”
can check their matches for helpful information. Unfortunately very few
of those testing have included information about the origin of their
"deepest known maternal ancestor" and so the database is of limited
usefulness. Anyone can go to www.oxfordancestors.com/ms_guest.htm
, and select the maternal line and input any numbers (each of your
mutations / substitutions). Unfortunately, not a great deal can be
learned from this exercise except the number of matches to your motif; and
occasionally the distribution of countries where those patterns are found. Bear in mind, however, that the customers of
Oxford Ancestors are largely from England so that the data will be skewed in
that direction.
Another thing to bear in
mind is that OA only measures 400 locations (potential mutation sites), whereas
FTDNA measures 570. Also, in a search for one participant the
Administrator found 114 matches, but only 9 had included contact information
and only 4 noted their "deepest known maternal" ancestor's
birthplace.
5) Macaulay's
Database (Supplementary Data from Richards et al., 2000). A very useful work which
is detailed enough that you will be able to find (hopefully, if your haplotype
is not too rare) your haplogroup, and your set of "mutations" and
then see how many individuals in this geographically diverse database are exact
matches - and from what country or region. The URL is http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/~macaulay/founder2000/index.html.
6) Mitomap: A Human Mitochondrial
Genome Database. At present I am unable to give you any sort of
understanding how this site may be of use to you. While I am in the
process of exploring its potential, you may wish to see what it has to
offer. It can be accessed at www.mitomap.org/
7) McEvoy’s Irish Database (Supplementary
Data from McEvoy et al., 2004). This
database contains 146 haplotypes (mtDNA signatures) found in Ireland (many or
most of which are also seen in Scotland).
The URL is www.gen.tcd.ie/molpopgen/data.htm. Only the link to the Irish database is
useful for our purposes, the others can be ignored. Remember to click on the tabs at the bottom of this Excel sheet
as this will bring you to the raw data that is most useful.
8) Mitosearch. This database is a free service if Family Tree
DNA, and permits customers to directly upload their results to this database
and to add information about the genealogy of the earliest known ancestor in
the female line. Anyone (e.g., those
who tested via Oxford Ancestors) can also add their data to this unique
service. The URL is www.mitosearch.org.