In which I spit for science

"Dear PGP-UK Participant

Following your completion of the PGP-UK geographic survey, we would like to invite you to participate in PGP-UK.

As outlined previously this involves the collection of a saliva sample from you, from which DNA will be extracted and whole-genome sequenced at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute."

I have this morning spent ten minutes spitting into a test tube and the sample has been posted off to the  Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute to be sequenced: whole genome sequencing. Scary thought: I can now be cloned.

I was selected (as one of a number of participants) as my four grandparents all lived in or around Bristol, in support of this study.

"Fine-scale genetic variation between human populations is interesting as a signature of historical demographic events and because of its potential for confounding disease studies. We use haplotype-based statistical methods to analyse genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from a carefully chosen geographically diverse sample of 2,039 individuals from the United Kingdom.

"This reveals a rich and detailed pattern of genetic differentiation with remarkable concordance between genetic clusters and geography. The regional genetic differentiation and differing patterns of shared ancestry with 6,209 individuals from across Europe carry clear signals of historical demographic events.

"We estimate the genetic contribution to southeastern England from Anglo-Saxon migrations to be under half, and identify the regions not carrying genetic material from these migrations. We suggest significant pre-Roman but post-Mesolithic movement into southeastern England from continental Europe, and show that in non-Saxon parts of the United Kingdom, there exist genetically differentiated subgroups rather than a general ‘Celtic’ population."

More later.

My 23andMe results

The results of my genetic screening at 23andMe have now come back - almost a million SNPs analysed.

The human genome SNP database currently has around 20 million known SNPs but most have unknown consequences.

So, here are the highlights: overall I guess I was pleased and relieved! The impact on family? Well, I share half of my alleles with my siblings, my parents and my children (and I'm uncorrelated with my wife). So extrapolate with care .. we're none of us clones.

I was a bit surprised to find that my paternal lineage appears to be from Ireland! We had traced my great-great-grandfather up to Oldham, Lancs where he was a Hatter (see here also). I think we had supposed the Oldham Seels were Anglo-Saxon, but the Y-chromosome is pointing instead to Ireland. On the maternal side, it seems my mother's maternal ancestors are solidly Atlantic coastal celts.

Click on images to make them larger.

Clare says just by appearance - Neanderthal is obvious!

The site itself has masses of detailed results and research reports which will keep me occupied for a while.

Sequencing - well in advance

My mother is ninety, but that hasn't diminished her interest in all things medical. After talking about 23andMe, she was sent scurrying around the house for old hair brushes. I now have a collection of her hair and some cheek swabs, packaged and ready to be lodged in my safe at home

Twenty years time, when whole-genome sequencing costs five pounds, one of her descendants may be interested in analysing this particular ancestor .. or cloning her!
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Is it reassuring to have your complete genome on file? In principle you could be cloned in future. That person would be your "future-twin" .. and so immortality beckons.

I don't know: does a twin feel the other twin is a version of themselves? I rather suspect not.