NEWS – India Releases Compilation of 10,000 Human Genomes from 83 Population Groups

HIGHLIGHTS

• Database: Compilation of 10,000 human genomes representing 83 population groups, approximately 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups.
• Purpose: To serve as a template for future research into diseases and drug therapy.
• Location: Data housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), Faridabad, Haryana.

Key Features of the ‘Genome India’ Database

• Global Accessibility:
  • Available to researchers worldwide.
  • Designed to support global investigations into human health and genetics.
• Genetic Variants Identified:
  • Estimates 27 million low-frequency genetic variants.
  • Includes 7 million variants not found in other reference databases.
• Focus Areas:
  • Precision medicine and healthcare advancements.
  • Investigation into disease risks and adverse drug reactions.
  • Studies of population-specific genetic diversity.

Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy

• Access Protocol:
  • Researchers must submit proposals for review by an independent panel.
  • Adherence to data-sharing and privacy policies is mandatory.
• Anonymization of Data:
  • Population group data coded numerically.
  • No classification based on caste or tribe names.

Strategic Importance

• Scientific Contributions:
  • Facilitates targeted clinical interventions.
  • Supports advancements in precision medicine.
• Economic and Technological Benefits:
  • Strengthens India’s biotechnology economy.
  • Paves the way for biotech-based manufacturing.
• Scalability Potential:
  • Opportunity to expand to 1 million genomes for deeper insights into India’s genetic diversity.
  • Current costs are a limiting factor, but future expansions are anticipated.

Significance for Healthcare

• Disease Research: Aids in understanding genetic predispositions to diseases.
• Drug Development: Improves drug efficacy and reduces adverse reactions.
• Healthcare Equity: Offers insights into diverse genetic profiles, enhancing personalized treatment plans.