Our DNA Surname Project

Many family groups have used DNA testing in recent years to further their genealogical research. In fact, in certain cases, DNA testing is the only resort to find out for sure if members with the same last name are biologically related. Our DNA does not lie.

During the last Geuder-Geuter-Geuther reunion in 2007, the suggestion of DNA testing came up again. As you know by now, - from reading under Research and History on our website, - we have several lineages with a great likelihood of being related but whose connections we have been unable to prove up to now by means of documents. DNA testing can fill this gap, especially since our surname is relatively rare and tied to a specific location in Germany. The beginning of our surname is in Middle Franconia and the possibility of a common origin of the name Geuder-Geuter-Geuther is very likely. With the help of DNA tests we have a real chance of confirming our supposition. This is very exiting, since not many surname groups have this opportunity of clearing up their connections with each other and solving the question of a common origin. And who would not want to know their source? 

I’m happy to announce that, just a few months ago, in the spring of 2008 we have started our DNA surname group project. And already, we can report a surprising success. READ BELOW HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE!

OUR STRATEGY

The most promising candidates to begin the DNA surname project - and test the validity of the process - are our two GEUTHER lineages, the Malmerz lineage and the Hof a.d.Steinach lineage, since they both originate within a radius of 20 miles from each other in Germany and we have decent documentation on both. Mapping the Y-chromosome of several members of these two groups will result in the determination of the oldest, original MALMERZ GEUTHER DNA sequence and provide a solid base for comparison with other GEUDER and GEUTHER lineages. With this foundation, we can test any Geuder from Franconia, the noble von Geuder, and all Guither, Guider, Geuther in the USA and possibly even Goyder and Gooder to see if and how we belong together.

How does DNA testing work for us?

For our DNA project, we test only the Y-chromosome of male name bearers. Since the Y-chromosome is transmitted by the father exclusively to his sons, thus perpetuating his genes in a direct line and children, in our society, receive the last name of the father, a test of the Y-chromosome allows us to trace the male name back to its origins, or at least back to the time when last names became common for the large majority of people in the late middle ages, around 1200-1300 AD.

Testing the female specific chromosome (mtDNA) would NOT give us a common Geuder-Geuter-Geuther mother, instead it would tell the tested individual from which of the seven prehistoric European tribal mothers he or she descends from, unrelated to their last names.

DNA simplified

DNA is the complex chemical in which the instructions to build and run our bodies are written – this genetic code is the ‘blueprint’ for life. The code is written in four letters, A, C, G or T, which are in reality different chemicals (Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine) making up the larger molecule. We each carry an enormous number of DNA letters (3000 billion) – all of which we have inherited from our ancestors – it is an archive of our ancestry.  
When cells in our body divide through mitosis, the DNA has to make a copy of itself to give to the new cell. It does this by using an enzyme called DNA polymerase. Using the original DNA strand as a template, the DNA polymerase works its way along the strand reading the original code. The DNA polymerase then attracts the necessary chemicals to build a completely new strand of DNA.
At some locations along the DNA strand, the code (any combination of A, C, G, and T) repeats itself. These are the so-called short tandem repeats. Occasionally, when the DNA polymerase reaches this point, it gets confused and causes a ‘slippage’. Instead of reading and faithfully reproducing 13 repeats, for example, the DNA polymerase produces 14. It is a rare occurrence, but this can of course give rise to a difference in repeat numbers between father and son.

The most important genes on the especially small Y-chromosome are stable over the course of thousands of years, and thus do not lend themselves for the search of differences within the relevant genealogical time frame of the last hundred years. But the Y-chromosome has many SECONDARY, less important sections that consist of repeating, identical subcategories (STR -short tandem repeats) which do not stay constant over a long period of time. Instead, they can change from one generation to the next with a probability of about 4%. By comparing these lesser sections of the Y-chromosome, we can determine if there is a genetic relation between our male members.

For our purposes – to find a relationship between our lineages 400 to 600 years ago – we are using a test for 37 markers or sections. In the lab, the number of repeats in specific locations (markers) are counted, and double-checked by a second technician. The result is a string of numbers, also called the Haplotype. This number sequence of one individual can then be compared to another person’s. A completely identical match of all numbers in the sequence, naturally, would point to a direct close relationship. But even 2 mismatches are still considered related family – only not as close. Mutations are to be expected within 500 years. More than 3 mismatches, though, are a definite sign that a common ancestor did not live within the last 1000 years. Of course, going back far enough, 80,000 years or so, all currently living humans have a common ancestor that, according to gene researchers, came out of Africa and then dispersed over all other continents. That we are homo sapiens is uncontested. 

Depending on how many markers are tested a Haplotype result may look like this example:
R1a 13 24 16 11 11 14 12 11 11 13 11 29 15 10 10 11 11 24 14 20 32 12 14 15 16 11 10 19 23 16 16 18 20 37 40 12 12

The letter group R1a pertains to the Haplogroup. Each following two digit number (13, 24, etc.) relates to the number of repeating section on a specific location. This sequence has 37 test locations. The locations (markers) are named by gen scientists, and for our comparison we need to look at the same markers in both test subjects. I have omitted the marker identification names for this article. 

Haplotypes and Haplogroups

The Haplotype is one's individual number code that is shared only by close relatives. One interesting side result of the Y-chromosome test is the determination of the ancient tribal group, also called Haplogroup. Certain sections of the Y-chromosome which stay more constant over a longer time helped scientists to group people into a number of ancient tribes. By looking at modern DNA, they can trace the movement and distribution of these ancient tribal groups. Genealogists named the Haplogroups with letters from A to R, with "A" being the oldest Haplogroup, represented in modern Khoisan people in Africa today.

The global Y chromosome tree

So far, one member from the Hof an der Steinach Lineage and two members from the Malmerz group have been tested. The test result tells us that all three participants belong to the “R1a” ancient tribal group that emerged in the Eurasian plains, north of the Black and Caspian Seas, about 10.000 BC, where scientists believe nomadic farmers were the first speakers of the proto-Indo-European language. They were separated from their original group R during the Ice Age and developed genetic changes (mutations) that distinguish them from R1b. Approximately 6,000 to 8,000 years ago, the ancestors of the R1a group continued to migrate westward into Europe. The Indo-Europeans eventually came to dominate the entire European continent. Haplogroup R1a is found throughout Europe, but it occurs at highest frequency among the Slavic populations of Eastern Europe and the Ukraine, and in central European countries such as Germany. It is also found in western Asia, central Asia and India. Haplogroup R1a probably came to England with the invading Anglo-Saxons during the 7th and 8th centuries A.D. The progenitors of Haplogroup R1b waited the Ice Age out in Spain, and spread from there into Western Europe, where this group today has its largest distribution.  
See more explanations on the haplogroups at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplogroup_R1a

Now to Our Most Astonishing Results

The results of our three tested Geuther are astonishing. In 37 tested markers, they differ only by two mismatches. The chance of finding such a close match so quickly was like winning in the horse races. There is always the possibility of adoption or children out of wedlock, that adds another variable to the research. Genealogists count with a 2% possibility of children from illegitimate relations.

What does this result of 35 out of 37 matching markers mean for us? It is a tremendous success, to know that we are on the right track. The Malmerz and Hof a.d.Steinach Lineage are genetically related. We definitely have to solidify this result by testing several others from both  lineages. In the meantime, we can say that the two lines – Malmerz and Hof a.d.Steinach have a common male ancestor that lived with 90% probability 15 to 19 generations ago. That means between 1475 and 1375. There is a 66% chance that the common male ancestor lived between 1600 and 1475. But definitely not before 1600, since we know from our records that the connection has to be before that.

How to Participate

To be part of our DNA surname project is truly exiting. (Unfortunately, I, as a female, cannot participate). Name bearers that belong to our established lineages will help us to determine the original Geuder gene and how the various lines fit together. Other Geuder/Geuter/Geuther men that don't have a paper/document connection will benefit by finding out, if they are biologically related to the ORIGINAL GEUDER GENE or not. To participate in our project enroll at:

www.familytreedna.com/surname_det.aspx?group=geuder/geuther

FamilytreeDNA.com is one of the most renowned companies that has been operating for 8 years working together with a laboratory that specializes in genealogical research. The cost for a 37-Marker test is USD 189 plus shipping. After filling out the form and ordering the 37 Marker test (there is a choice drop-down menue) they will send you a test kit. It contains a cottonswab that you wipe along the inside of your mouth, then you return the swab into the sterile tube for conservation and mail it back. The lab takes about three weeks to process the results, which are then given to FamilytreeDNA.com. You will receive your result by letter as well as per email on a password protected site. The lab itself does not know your name. This protects the privacy of all results. Our DNA surname project is private and only members have access. Of course, the results are shared with all participants of our Geuder-Geuther DNA surname project, and with me, the organizer.

If you like to participate without donating your DNA you can sponsor another person or contribute to our DNA project fund to defray the cost for others. The funds are held with FamilytreeDNA.com and used only for this project.

If you have questions email me at gabygeuther@yahoo.com