Genome sequencing data to help in predictive and preventive medicine
New
Delhi, October 25 (India Science Wire): Research laboratories working under the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Friday announced completion
of whole genome sequencing of 1008 Indian individuals representing diverse ethnic
groups in the country. The data will act as baseline information for developing
various applications in predictive and preventive medicine.
In April, the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research started the project named IndiGen
The
genomic data will help scientists understand genetic diversity of the Indian
population and make available genetic variant frequencies for clinical
applications. The data and knowhow are expected to produce evidence and help in
development of technologies for clinical and biomedical applications, scientists
explained.
The
project called IndiGen was implemented by Delhi-based Institute of Genomics and
Integrative Biology (IGIB) and Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and
Molecular Biology (CCMB). The whole genome sequencing of individuals drawn
from across the country has been completed, enabling benchmarking the
scalability of genome sequencing and computational analysis at population scale,
said Minster for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan, while making the announcement
at an event here.
Dr Harsh Vardhan said
“the genome data would be important for building the knowhow, baseline data and indigenous capacity in the emerging area of precision medicine.” He said the outcomes of the IndiGen would find applications in a number of areas including faster and efficient diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. It will further lead to cost effective genetic tests, carrier screening applications for expectant couples, enabling efficient diagnosis of heritable cancers and pharmacogenetic tests to prevent adverse drug reactions are some of the other benefits of this initiative.
Scientists have also developed IndiGenome card and mobile application for researchers and clinicians to access clinically actionable information.
The minister said that it will ensure privacy and data security, which is vital for personal genomics to be implemented at large scale.
CSIR
has been engaged in genomic studies in India and its “Indian Genome Variation” has
made major contributions in understanding genetic makeup of Indian population. It has also pioneered the application of
genomics in clinical settings in the area of rare genetic diseases by means of
DNA and genome based diagnostics and interaction with large number of clinical
collaborators.
By Dinesh C Sharma
(India Science Wire)
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