Objectives
- To provide a broad review of the Y-DNA profiles, by haplogroup and
haplotype grouping, of male members of the main Manx families (as
defined here)
- To compare the genetic origins of a Manx family name (learned via this
study) with the earlier published origins of the name, deduced from the
linguistic and historical research.
- Wherever possible, to identify genetic linkages between these individual
Manx families and other families/tribes/clans outside the Isle of Man and
the possible timeframes for such connections.
- To identify if there are any inter-relationships between the male lines of
different Manx families, if they exist.
- To try and assess whether the level of genetic diversity on the Isle of
Man is less than in the neighbouring areas of population, ie is there any
evidence of a founder effect?
Scope
- The study is restricted to men bearing a family name belonging to the range of Manx families as defined
here
- Using and coordinating existing Y-DNA results taken by Manx men as the
basis for the main project database.
- New individuals wishing to participate should be prepared to pay for the
cost of their own tests. No additional funds are available within the
project at present, but the project coordinator will seek to obtain external
funding if possible in time.
- Y-DNA data will be used as the principal indicator of Manx DNA but, if
appropriate, mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA data may also be brought into
consideration.
- Men bearing family names within the scope of the project, but who may not
have Manx ancestry, may be permitted to join the project to ascertain
whether they have a Manx genetic connection or not. If not, then their kit
will be removed from the project to avoid any possible confusion, at the
discretion of the project coordinator.
Project Stages and Timetable
Data Collection
 | An ongoing process of data collection has already commenced to collate the
Y-DNA results of Manx men around the world who have already taken a test. |
| Members of families not yet covered will be targeted to seek their
involvement in testing. At least 2 members of each Manx family grouping will
be required to be tested in order to validate their results and exclude
non-paternal events. |
See the results page for information on the latest
progress
Analysis
The analysis and interpretation of the database will be a continuous process
which will be refined over time as more and more data become available, not just
from within the study, but also from other developments and analysis of the
larger public Y-DNA databases worldwide.
| Review of family name coverage and identification of major gaps |
| Micro-analysis of individual name STR data by family |
| Early clustering and TMRCA analysis by family |
| Further data collection as appropriate |
| Macro-analysis across families |
| Identification of any cross connections between families |
| Matching of Manx family DNA signatures against those in neighbouring
Ireland, Scotland and England to try and identify earlier origins and
connections. |
Report and Publication
Regular updates of progress will be published as appropriate on the study
website
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DNA
