DNA and Jewish Genealogy
Ashkenazi Origins and Ashkenazi
Diseases
Emerging data suggest that all
current Ashkenazi populations, regardless of location, originated
from no more than 10,000 or fewer founders about 300-400 years
ago. This marked expansion of the Ashkenazi population in
the last few centuries in Eastern Europe led to proliferation
of more than a dozen rare mutations that explain the existence
of Ashkenazi Jewish diseases. Some Jewish diseases (such as
certain breast cancer genes) are also found in non-Ashkenazi
Jewish populations and originated prior to the split of early
Jewish populations into Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Oriental
groups. Other current populations that originated from relatively
few founders have their own set of specific characteristic
diseases such as Finns and French-Canadians.
The genes for the various Jewish
genetic diseases (Tay-Sachs, Gaucher’s, Canavan disease,
certain breast cancer genes, etc.) can be tested for in the
laboratory to detect carriers. The status of screening and
prevention for these diseases will be discussed, with its
attendant problems.
Various DNA marker studies are
tracing the relationship of various populations all over the
world, including Jews. Admixture with non-Jewish populations
has been relatively modest in the past. Some genetic similarities
in DNA markers exist between all Jewish populations suggesting
their common mid-eastern origin. Some marker studies suggest
a characteristic pattern (“Cohen haplotype”) that
is common in descendents of Cohanim (priests) in both Ashkenazim
and Sephardim as compared with non-Cohanim. The “Cohen
haplotype” is found with increased frequency among the
Lemba—a small South African tribe that claims Jewish
ancestry.
Genealogy and
DNA Links
FamilyTree
DNA
A company that provides genetic testing and is compiling a
database of Jewish Families
Jewish
Genetic Disorders
A great site to learn about Genetic Diseases that effect Jewish
families.
The
Beta-Thalassemia Genetic Trait
For years, Thalassemia, or Cooley's anemia, was thought to
affect only Greek, Italian, Asian, and Sephardic Jewish families.
In recent years, it became clear that Ashkenazic Jews also
carry the trait and could be at risk for the fatal disease.
Story
of The Lemba People
A tribe from Southern Africa that claim to be one of the lost
tribes of Israel. They carry the "Kohen" gene.
The
Mumma Surname DNA Project-
A fascinating study of one family and how DNA testing is used
for genealogical research.
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