DNAPrint Genomics

DNAPrint Genomics (OTCBB: DNAG) is a genetics company with a wide range of products related to genetic profiling.

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Overview

DNAPrint Genomics provides forensic and consumer products, mostly based around its patented method for finding "Ancestry Informative Markers" in DNA samples that they claim enables them to correctly identify the ancestry of a human based on a sample of their DNA.

Consumer applications

DNAPrint Genomics' flagship product is "AncestryByDNA", a DNA test for its consumers that breaks down the percentage ancestry of a client, based on these Ancestry Informative Markers in their DNA. It is marketed as a tool for personal genealogical research, and for adoptees looking to learn more about their genealogy.

The fee for the test is between $150 and $600.^[1]

Forensic applications

DNAPrint's most controversial offering is "DNAWitness", a product that uses the same Ancestry Informative Markers for a forensic purpose. By using the same ancestry tests on DNA evidence from crime scenes, DNAPrint Genomics claims that this product can help narrow down suspects based on race.

In 2006, Scotland Yard and London's Metropolitan Police announced that they would be investigating the use of DNAWitness to narrow suspects in the search for a long-standing effort to capture a serial rapist known as the Minstead Rapist.^[2]

DNAWitness was used in 2007 to help narrow down suspects in the investigation into the 2002 murder of Pam Kinamore. Though the police dragnet was initially looking for white suspects based on an early eyewitness, DNAPrint Genomics was later contracted to test the DNA sample, and concluded that the suspect was of "substantial African ancestry".^[3]

The DNAWitness test is much more thorough than its consumer counterpart, and could cost between $1500 and $3000.

References

1. ^ Can DNA Reveal Your Roots?. Time (2005-07-05). Retrieved on 2007-10-05.
2. ^ DNAPrint Genomics Scientist Delivers Presentation to Detectives at New Scotland Yard. Market Wire (2006-04-05). Retrieved on 2007-10-05.
3. ^ The Inconvenient Science of Racial DNA Profiling. Wired Magazine (2007-10-05). Retrieved on 2007-10-05.