Genome India Project

About

Genome India is a pioneering scientific project funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
The primary objective of Genome India is to build a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations that reflect the unique diversity of the Indian population.

Genome Sequencing:

Genome sequencing is a laboratory technique used to determine the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
- A genome is the complete set of an organism’s genetic material, encompassing all of its DNA sequences, including both genes and non-coding regions.
- In humans, the genome comprises approximately 3.2 billion base pairs of DNA, organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes within the cell nucleus.
This process involves identifying the precise order of the four chemical building blocks—adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)—that make up the DNA molecule.
The resulting sequence provides a comprehensive map of an organism’s genetic information, encompassing all of its genes and non-coding regions.

Goals:

Create a Comprehensive Reference for Indian Genomic Diversity: Sequence the whole genome of 10,000 individuals from 83 diverse Indian populations, representing the genetic richness of the nation.
Establish a Robust Biobank for Future Research: Collect and store 20,000 blood samples to enable cutting-edge biological research and advancements.
Enable Open Access to Genomic Data: Provide publicly accessible genomic datasets through the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), fostering global research collaborations and innovation.
Develop Affordable Genetic Tools for Diagnostics: Conceptualize genome-wide and disease-specific SNP array to support low-cost diagnostic solutions and research initiatives in India.
Pave the Way for Precision Medicine in India: Take the first steps toward personalized healthcare, tailored to India’s unique genetic makeup.
Inspire the Next Generation of Genomic Innovators: Encourage young Indian minds and researchers to delve into genomics, driving advancements in health and medicine for the nation.

Why in the News?

The Genome India Project has successfully completed the sequencing of 10,000 human genomes from India.

It represents 83 population groups, or about 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups as a database.

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