Why is Providing a DNA sample so important?
JPAC(Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command) can often identify remains from an individual if they have a reference sample of a special type of DNA from surviving family members. This special DNA is called Mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA, and it is inherited only from the mother. This type of DNA is used because it is long-lasting, abundant, and doesn't change much from generation to generation.
How you can help
If you are a family member of an individual who is Missing in Action, your DNA may be able to help in the identification process.
The DNA needed is known as the Family Reference Sample (FRS). However, a sample from just any family member can not be used -only family members who share the same mtDNA as the missing service member can be used. Mitochondrial DNA is only passed on through the maternal line.
Who can donate
Since mtDNA is inherited only from the mother, each person's mother, as well as brothers, sisters, sister's children and many other relatives share the same kind of mtDNA. This is useful because it means that mtDNA from relatives (sometimes quite distant ones) can be directly compared to mtDNA from unidentified remains. The downside is that children of a missing male cannot provide an mtDNA reference sample. The sex of the missing person and the donor are irrelevant. In a family tree linking the donor to the missing person, every intermediate person linking the donor to the missing person must be a female.
Is donating mtDNA painful or complicated
The Family Reference Sample is a cheek swab. Once the eligible donor is found and volunteers, contact WWRM and we will put you in touch with the proper agency for the Armed Service that your missing relative was a member of. That agency will send you the swab kit which you use at home and return in the mail.
A powerful tool for identification
While mtDNA testing does not uniquely identify an individual like a fingerprint or other kinds of DNA testing, it does help determine if an individual is related to surviving relatives. Combined with other evidence that is gathered, this is a powerful tool that is used to identify the remains that are found.
What takes so long once a DNA sample is provided?
You might wonder why it takes a long period of time to identify an individual from a DNA sample. The short answer is that a pre-existing sample of DNA is needed from all the missing individuals that JPAC is trying to identify - and DNA samples were not routinely collected from our service men and women until the Gulf War.
Nuclear DNA and mtDNA
Every cell contains both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Nuclear DNA is found within the nucleus of the cell and is composed of two sources of DNA: the egg and the sperm. This type of DNA defines us as individuals and is most often used in forensic or paternity cases. The nuclear DNA of a forensic specimen from a crime scene is compared to a specimen from a suspect to see how similar they are. In terms of a paternity suit, the nuclear DNA of the child is compared to the nuclear DNA from the father to see if the father contributed to the child's DNA.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is contained in the mitochondria of the cell. The mitochondria are organelles located outside the nucleus in the cytoplasm of the cell. These organelles are responsible for energy transfer and are basically the "powerhouses" of the cells. This form of DNA because it preserves well in bones and many of the casualties that need to be identified do not have blood samples on file (unlike the modern military). This form of DNA is in short strands and therefore does not mutate or change form very quickly - it is relatively stable and can be compared across several generations. Mitochondrial DNA is only passed along the maternal line - so if we want to compare a sample from a casualty individual we have to obtain a blood sample from the mother or any of the siblings who would share the same sequence of mtDNA as the mother. If nieces or nephews were to contribute DNA samples, only the child of a sister would contain the proper sequence since a brother's child would obtain his or her mtDNA from his mother who would not be a blood relative of the deceased in question.
How to determine if you are an eligible mtDNA donor
The chart below can help you determine whether you are an eligible mtDNA donor.
The number of eligible donors of blood (MtDNA) continues to decline, making these samples very important to future identifications. All maternal relatives of WWII casualties are encouraged to contact WWRM and we will arrange for the appropriate service casualty office to work with you to obtain a mtDNA sample.
