Genome India Project, Objective and Significance

India Releases Compilation of 10,000 Human Genomes from 83 Population Groups

Genome India Project is an ambitious initiative aimed at sequencing the genetic makeup of the Indian population to enhance understanding of genetic diversity. Check here Other Initiatives for Genome Sequencing.

Table of Contents

Context: The Genome India Project has achieved a significant milestone by compiling a database of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups, representing about 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups.

About Genome India Project

Genome India Project is a government-led initiative launched in 2019 that aims to sequence the genomes of over 10,000 Indians from diverse socio-economic, geographical and linguistic backgrounds to create a comprehensive genomic database of the Indian population.
The project involves about 20 institutions across India and with analysis and coordination done by the Centre for Brain Research at IISc, Bangalore.
Privacy Measures: Data is anonymized with numeric codes, and access requires proposals vetted by an independent panel.

Genome India Database

Housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana.
Open to global researchers adhering to data-sharing and privacy policies.

Significance

Expected to facilitate precision medicine for better healthcare outcomes.
Enables targeted clinical interventions based on India’s unique genetic diversity.
Opens doors to developing a biotechnology-based economy and manufacturing.

Other Initiatives for Genome Sequencing

IndiGen Programme

It aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of thousands of individuals representing diverse ethnic groups from India.
Objective: To enable genetic epidemiology and develop public health technologies applications using population genome data.

One Day One Genome Initiative

Launched by: the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)
The initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in India and emphasise their critical roles in the environment, agriculture and human health.

Check here in Detail: One Day One Genome Initiative

Related Information

Genome Sequencing:
- It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
- It involves reading the order of nucleotide bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) that make up the DNA molecules in an organism’s genome.
Genome v/s Gene: The genome is the entire set of genetic material or DNA, while a gene is a specific segment of DNA that codes for a particular protein or RNA molecule.