DNA Relationship Testing for 5,300 Year-old Iceman

In 2010, scientists  completed sequencing the genome for Otzi the Iceman, whose 5,300-year-old  mummy was discovered in the Otztal Alps

Past discoveries, such as his goat hide clothes, the food that he ate shortly before his death (unleavened bread and meat) and even the arrow wound in his shoulder all provided clues and insights into the life of our ancestors more than 5,000 years ago.

The  genome sequencing, which was completed by scientists at Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Tuebingen, could provide us with even more information on the Iceman, such as the color of his eyes or hair, even diseases he may have suffered, or what his immune system was like.

The most exciting answer that may be provided by this research is, does he have any living relatives?

Relationship Testing

The mapping of the DNA within the nuclei of the Iceman’s cells, along with the genetic information collected from  a large number of people living in the region (and the most likely people to be descendants of the iceman)  may help finally answer the question:

“Are there any living relatives of the Iceman still around?”

Scientists have previous attempted to find living relatives of the Iceman. Using an analysis of the Iceman’s mitochondriaI DNA, comparisons were done against the data of groups of living individuals. Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mothers to their children and so would only provide relatives on Iceman’s mom’s side of the family. No matches where found, indicating that his maternal lineage is either very rare or died out.