Dear XXX (kit XXX): Thank-you for your request to join the Haplogroup T FGS Research Project. Please take some time to carefully read the following information, which we are required to convey to all prospective participants in advance of their participation. Instructions on how to continue with the process of joining the project are given after the following message: *** January 2010 update *** The information in the message below was accurate as of January 2008. Since then FamilyTreeDNA has lowered the price of its mtDNA FGS test from $395 to $279 (or $361 to $229 for people who have already done some kind of DNA test with FamilyTreeDNA). Note also that although the recruitment stage for our project has essentially passed, we are still accepting late-comers who wish to join the project. As we have already begun the process of analysing the data that we have on hand, we cannot guarantee that your results will be included in the analysis (although we will try to do so if we can). *** end of January 2010 update *** === begin release form message === mtDNA Haplogroup T Full Genomic Sequence Research Project This is a scientific research project with a goal of developing a comprehensive phylogenetic structure for mtDNA haplogroup T. Participation in this project requires that informed consent be granted by all participants of the research study. Before you can join this research project and become a test subject, we are required to notify of you of potential risks of participation: 1. Preliminary haplogroup classifications of some participants may change or be refined as a result of the research being pursued. Such changes in subgroup assignment may cause emotional reactions (for instance, if the new subgroup assignment is perceived to challenge previously conceived beliefs about one's maternal ancestry). 2. It is possible that some participants will have mtDNA haplotypes that include mutations which are known to be associated with health conditions. Although it is not the intent of this research to search for medical traits or their genetic associations, there is the risk that such associations might be discovered to be present in some individuals. We are not obliged to inform test subjects if/when such associations are detected within their mtDNA. Participation in this research project is restricted to people who are already known to belong to haplogroup T. FamilyTreeDNA will conduct the genetic analysis for this research project. Test subjects therefore agree to allow their mtDNA be analysed by FamilyTreeDNA. Note that FamilyTreeDNA has agreed to offer project participants reduced pricing on the cost of mtDNA full genomic sequence tests as follows: $361 US for project participants who are already FamilyTreeDNA clients, or $395 US for project participants for whom FamilyTreeDNA has not yet performed a DNA extraction. These special rates are valid until 31 August 2008. The identity of each participant will be kept confidential, except possibly in cases where test subjects specifically request to have their identities revealed. To the extent that it is feasible and without undue burden, such requests may be honoured. Be aware that participants who have provided consent to FamilyTreeDNA to share their identities with other FamilyTreeDNA clients with whom they genetically match may have their identities revealed to their genetic matches by FamilyTreeDNA. By joining this project, each test subject consents to allow his/her mtDNA data to be used for this research project. Further, each test subject's mtDNA data will enter the public record (albeit anonymously) through participation in this project; in addition to appearing in publications, it is anticipated that each partipant's mtDNA data will be submitted to NCBI GenBank or a similar custodian of genetic data. This project's research team acquires no rights to the physical genetic samples of the project's participants (that is, other than being able to have their mtDNA genomes determined); these samples will remain in the custody of the lab which performs the genetic analysis (i.e., in the custody of FamilyTreeDNA). As already noted, it is beyond the scope of this project to search for genetic associations with health conditions, and we are under no obligation to inform test subjects if/when such associations are detected. However, situations might arise in which we will want to communicate directly with some participants in order to inform them that such an association has been detected within their mtDNA, but to do so will require that the participants in question have previously permitted that we contact them with such information. It is therefore a condition of project participation that each test subject consent to be contacted and made aware of possible health associations that might be detected within their mtDNA. Questions about this project may be directed to any member of its research team: Terry Barton (terry@bartonsite.org) Sjana Bauer (sjanabauer@sbcglobal.net) Elizabeth Kipp (kippeeb@rogers.com) David Pike (dapike@math.mun.ca) Participation in this project requires that you signify that you (or a parent/guardian if you are under 18 years of age) understand the above information and grant consent for your mtDNA data to be used as described. The proposal for this research has been approved by the Interdisciplinary Committee on Ethics in Human Research at Memorial University. If you have ethical concerns about the research (such as the way you have been treated or your rights as a participant), you may contact the Chairperson of the ICEHR at icehr@mun.ca or by telephone at (709) 737-8368. === end release form message === Again, let us thank you for your interest in joining this project, and also for taking the time to read and understand the above information. If you consent to the above terms and still wish to join the project, then please send us an email message in which you write the following: I confirm that I am at least 18 years of age, and that I have read and understood the Haplogroup T FGS Project Release Form. I have full authority over the mtDNA sample in question, and hereby grant my consent for it to be used as described. We will thereafter continue to process your request to join. Alternatively, if you prefer not to join the project at this time, then it would be helpful for you to send us a message to this effect so that we can cancel your request to join. Sincerely, - Terry, Sjana, Elizabeth, and David.