NEWS

• Indian scientists have created a genome database of 10,000 unrelated, healthy Indians.
• Participants belong to 83 diverse population groups.
• The initiative aims to pave the way for India-specific precision medicine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Over 180 million unique DNA variations identified.
  • Around 60% of these are rare mutations.
• Project captures the genetic diversity of Indian populations, historically under-represented in global genomics.
• Forms a baseline genetic reference for future medical and scientific research.

Research and Execution

• Spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
• Carried out by a consortium of 20 institutions across India.
  • Includes Indian Institute of Science, NIMHANS, and NCBS in Bengaluru.
• Blood samples collected from over 20,000 individuals.
  • Final dataset includes 9,772 sequenced genomes (4,696 males and 5,076 females).
• Each genome entry is supported by 30+ health indicators.

Applications and Significance

• Helps understand genetic basis of diseases and population-specific mutations.
• Supports development of personalized treatments and precision medicine.
• Enables:
  • Improved disease diagnostics
  • Identification of disease-specific mutations
  • Prediction of genetic responses to drugs
  • Reduction of health disparities due to sociocultural/environmental factors

Scientific and Social Impact

• Fills a major gap in global genetic databases, which are mostly Euro-centric.
• Provides a unique genetic signature for Indian populations.
• Boosts translational research and genome-based healthcare in India.