In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers in India have successfully sequenced the genomes of 10,000 individuals from diverse Indian communities, paving the way for gene-based therapies and personalized medicine. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh hailed this achievement as a watershed moment for science in India, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize healthcare strategies worldwide.
Addressing a gathering in the national capital, Minister Jitendra Singh underscored the pivotal role of genome sequencing in shaping future healthcare approaches, both in terms of treatment and prevention. He stressed the importance of developing Indian-centric solutions to address the country’s unique healthcare challenges, as India emerges as a leader in scientific advancement on the global stage.
The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology, aims to identify and catalogue genetic variations among diverse Indian populations. By sequencing the whole genomes of 10,000 healthy individuals representing 99 communities across India, including major linguistic and social groups, researchers aim to capture the genetic diversity inherent in India’s population.
Minister Singh highlighted the genetic complexity of the Indian population, comprising over 4,600 distinct population groups, many of which are endogamous. These factors contribute to the rich genetic diversity observed in India, with certain groups exhibiting amplified disease-causing mutations. As a result, findings from genetic research in other populations cannot be directly extrapolated to Indians, emphasizing the need for India-specific research and interventions.
The creation of a comprehensive database of Indian genomes holds immense promise for advancing precision medicine. By identifying genetic variants unique to India’s population groups, researchers can tailor drugs and therapies to suit the specific needs of Indian patients.
India joins the ranks of countries like the UK, China, and the US, which have launched large-scale genome sequencing initiatives. Prof Y Narahari and Dr K Thangaraj, joint coordinators of GenomeIndia, highlighted the project’s holistic approach, which includes the establishment of a biobank housing 20,000 blood samples and data archiving at the Indian Biological Data Centre.
The Indian Biological Data Centre, set up by the Department of Biotechnology, serves as a centralized repository for storing and sharing genomic data, facilitating collaboration and future research endeavors. This milestone achievement underscores India’s commitment to advancing scientific research and leveraging genomic data to address the nation’s healthcare challenges.
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