Database on 10,000 Genomes To Be Ready For Research Access
Context:
The Genome India Project, a Centre-backed initiative to sequence 10,000 Indian human genomes and create a database, is about two-thirds through, said Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
Points To Ponder:
- The genome is a cell’s whole set of DNA instructions. The genome of humans is made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes found in the cell’s nucleus, as well as a tiny chromosome placed in the cell’s mitochondria. A genome contains all of the information required for a person to develop and function.
- The Genome India Project (GIP) is a research endeavor coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science’s Centre for Brain Research in Bangalore that involves over 20 universities from around the country in an effort to collect samples, collate data, conduct research, and construct an ‘Indian reference genome’ grid.
- The Genome India Project is a government-sponsored program that aims to sequence 10,000 Indian human genomes and create a database.
- The project is around two-thirds of the way through and has now sequenced about 7,000 genomes, with 3,000 of these made available to researchers for public use.
- By the end of the year, the remaining 3,000 genomes are scheduled to be sequenced.
- Over 4,600 population groupings make up the Indian population, many of which are endogamous, resulting in different genetic differences and the amplification of disease-causing mutations within certain of these groups.
- The creation of an Indian genome database will allow researchers to learn about genetic variants unique to India’s population groupings and use them to build tailored medications and therapies.
- According to ABLE co-founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, larger public-private partnerships are needed to build a genomic-database infrastructure.
- Developing public infrastructure, such as genomic databases, is required for India’s biotechnology sector to grow and attract more valuable enterprises and start-ups.