10,000 human genomes sequenced in India: Govt
- The Government's Genome India initiative reached a significant milestone by completing the sequencing of 10,000 healthy genomes from diverse Indian populations, comprising 99 distinct groups.
- This achievement marks the establishment of a comprehensive genetic map of India, offering immense potential for clinical and research applications.
Technological Advancements
- The government highlighted the remarkable progress in genome sequencing technology, enabling the completion of thousands of genomes in a matter of months.
- This is in contrast to the first whole human genome sequence announced in 2003; completed over 13 years at the cost of $3 billion.
Genetic Variants Analysis
- Analysis of a subset of genomes revealed 135 million genetic variants found in India, with some variations specific to certain populations.
- These variants hold implications for identifying disease-indicating and resistance-indicating variants, aiding diagnostics and therapeutics development.
Need for India-Specific Database
- An India-specific genetic database is required due to the prevalence of mutations unique to the Indian population, which may not be present globally.
- A mutation MYBPC3 that leads to cardiac arrest at a young age is found in 4.5% of the Indian population but is rare globally.
- Another mutation called LAMB3 that causes a lethal skin condition is found in nearly 4% of the population near Madurai but it is not seen in global databases.
Data Storage
- The extensive dataset, totaling 8 petabytes of data, will be stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC).
- It will be made available for research purposes, contributing to scientific knowledge and innovation.
- The availability of a comprehensive genetic map is expected to drive advancements in biology and contribute to India's bio-economy growth.
Prelims Takeaway
- Genome India Project
- Human Genome Project