Completion of Genome India Project

Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology, Biotechnology

Context

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India hailed the completion of the Genome India Project, calling it a ‘historic step in the world of research’ at Genome India Data Conclave, held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

About the Genome India Project

• It was launched in 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
• It involved sequencing the genomes of individuals from 99 distinct populations across the country. It accounts for about 2% of India’s 4600 population groups.

Understanding Genomes – A genome is the complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in an organism, containing all the genetic information necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of that organism. 1. In living organisms, genetic information is stored in long molecules of DNA called chromosomes. – In humans, the genome is composed of approximately 3.05 billion base pairs of DNA, which are organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes. Key Components of a Genome – DNA: The genome is made up of DNA, a double-stranded molecule consisting of four types of bases: Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T).  1. These bases pair (A with T and C with G) to form the rungs of the DNA ladder. – Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins or functional RNA molecules. 1. Genes are the functional units of heredity and play a crucial role in determining an organism’s traits. – Non-coding Regions: Parts of the genome that do not code for proteins but have regulatory functions, such as controlling gene expression. Genome Sequencing – It is the process of determining the precise order of the base pairs in a DNA molecule.  – It allows scientists to decode the genetic information contained within an organism’s genome.

Key Achievements of Genome India Project

• Completion of Genome Sequencing: The project has successfully sequenced the genomes of 10,000 individuals (archived at the Indian Biological Data Centre Portals).
• Creation of a Biobank: A biobank housing 20,000 blood samples has been established at the Centre for Brain Research, IISc.
  • This biobank aims to support future research endeavors.
• Phase 1 Analysis: Detailed quality checks and joint genotyping of 5,750 samples have uncovered rare genetic variations unique to Indian populations.
• Data Availability: The genome data is now available at the Indian Biological Data Center (IBDC)in Faridabad, Haryana.
  • Researchers worldwide can access this data for further investigations.

Impact on Biotechnology and Healthcare

• Empowering Global Research: The launch of the IBDC Portals and the Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures seamless access to valuable genetic information.

• It is set to position India as a leader in genomics, enabling the development of genomic chips tailored to the Indian demographic. 
• Such advancements will enhance the precision of genetic studies and contribute to innovations in areas such as mRNA-based vaccines, protein manufacturing, and genetic disorder treatments.

• Boost Public Healthcare: By providing a genetic basis for disease prevention and treatment, the project will significantly improve public healthcare systems.
• Promote Innovation: The data will facilitate the development of genomic chips tailored to the Indian demographic, enhancing the precision of genetic studies.
• Support Policy Making: The genetic information will assist policymakers in planning and implementing health strategies tailored to the unique needs of India’s diverse population.
• Boosting Bioeconomy: India’s bioeconomy has seen impressive growth, surging from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, with projections to hit $300 billion by 2030.
  • This growth is a testament to the country’s increasing capabilities and contributions to the global scientific community.

Key Concerns

• Genetic Modification Risks: If genomic data is used for more controversial purposes, such as gene editing, it could lead to ethical dilemmas regarding designer babies or unintended consequences.
• Data & Storage: Ensuring anonymity of genetic data and addressing its possible misuse is crucial.
  • Storing data on cloud platforms raises ownership and security concerns.
  • India lacks a comprehensive Data Privacy Bill, creating risks for the Genome India Project.
• Social Issues: Genetic studies could reinforce stereotypes and fuel divisive politics, particularly around racial purity and heredity.
  • In India, debates over ‘indigenous’ populations could take a genetic turn.
  • Historical controversies around eugenics and ‘selective breeding’ highlight the sensitive nature of this subject.

Steps to Overcome Above Challenges

• Ethical and Secure Data Sharing: The Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines, introduced in 2021, underscore India’s commitment to ethical and secure data sharing.
  • The launch of the FeED Protocols under these guidelines ensures that high-quality, nation-specific data will be shared transparently, fairly, and responsibly.
• Data Privacy and Security: Given the sensitivity of genetic data, the Department of Biotechnology has implemented stringent measures to ensure privacy and security.
  • The data is anonymized and encoded before being uploaded to the central database.
  • Researchers wishing to access the data must collaborate with the department and adhere to strict protocols.

Source: TOI