The Allen Ancient DNA Resource (AADR) is a curated database of ancient and recent DNA sequencing samples in a common format and processing style. An outgrowth of the David Reich lab at Harvard University. A further spinoff from this effort is the IllustrativeDNA service to take in public samples and provide a similar admixture-style analysis for historic populations and cultures.
Beside the archived data usable for research studies, there are two key formats being defined and used. One is known as the 1240k format for the 1,233 K SNPs defined in it across the nuclear chromosomes. The other is the Affymetrix HumandOrigins microarray used for their study of living persons. No commercial genetic genealogy company utilizes this particular chip microarray and so this project is an important source for its knowledge and potential use as a target from WGS testing.
The project has a focus on ancient DNA. Although claims for a focus on disease from that time period to present, it appears mostly focused on more traditional population studies. Thus squarely in the aDNA community and thus quasi-genetic genealogy — more so than pure genetics.
Beside the archived data usable for research studies, there are two key formats being defined and used. One is known as the 1240k format for the 1,233 K SNPs defined in it across the nuclear chromosomes. The other is the Affymetrix HumandOrigins microarray used for their study of living persons. No commercial genetic genealogy company utilizes this particular chip microarray and so this project is an important source for its knowledge and potential use as a target from WGS testing.
The project has a focus on ancient DNA. Although claims for a focus on disease from that time period to present, it appears mostly focused on more traditional population studies. Thus squarely in the aDNA community and thus quasi-genetic genealogy — more so than pure genetics.
External Resources
- AARD main data ressource page (see the SNP columns in the 1240k and HO row entries for definition of the two formats mentioned.
- David Reich Lab Page at Harvard