India Launches ‘Genome India’ Database

India Launches ‘Genome India’ Database

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

• India has unveiled the ‘Genome India’ database, a groundbreaking compilation of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups.

Genome India Database:

• The database includes 10,000 human genomes, representing 83 population groups from India.
• These groups constitute approximately 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups.
• Housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana. Open to researchers worldwide, subject to adherence to data-sharing and privacy policies.
• Identified 27 million low-frequency genetic variants, including 7 million unique variants not found in global reference databases.
• Highlighted population-specific alleles (different versions of the same gene), which could have implications for targeted healthcare.
• Applications:
• Precision Medicine: The findings pave the way for personalized treatments and interventions.
• Disease Research: Focused on understanding disease risks and improving clinical outcomes.
• Aligns with similar genome databases worldwide, such as those in the USA and Europe.
• Unlike other databases, the Indian initiative emphasizes population-specific insights without caste or tribe classifications.
• Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a step toward bolstering India’s biotechnology economy and biotech-based manufacturing.

What is a Gene?

• A gene is a segment of DNA that carries the instructions for producing specific proteins or functional molecules. Found on chromosomes within the cell nucleus.
• Determines hereditary traits, including physical characteristics and susceptibility to certain diseases.

What are Alleles?

• Different versions of the same gene found at the same locus (position) on a chromosome.
• Types:
  • Dominant Allele: Expressed when present (e.g., brown eyes).
  • Recessive Allele: Expressed only when both alleles are recessive (e.g., blue eyes).

• Responsible for genetic diversity. Used in studying hereditary diseases and genetic traits.

What is a Genome?

• The complete set of DNA in an organism, including all its genes.
• Contains approximately 20,000–25,000 genes spread across 23 pairs of chromosomes.

What is DNA Profiling?

• A forensic technique used to identify individuals by analysing unique patterns in their DNA.
• Applications:
  • Criminal investigations and paternity testing.
  • Identifying remains in disasters or wars.
  • Research in population genetics and genealogy.
• Uses short tandem repeats (STRs) to differentiate DNA samples.
• Governed by privacy and ethical guidelines under laws like India’s DNA Technology Regulation Bill.