Genome India Project

Introduction & Purpose

  • GIP is India’s ambitious initiative to map the genetic diversity of its population.
  • The first phase is now complete: involved sequencing 10,000 individuals from 83 population groups.
  • Aims to benefit health, medicine, and other research by understanding genetic variation in Indians.

Institutions Involved

  • Over 100 scientists and 20 academic/research institutions
  • Spearheaded by Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, Centre for Brain Research, Bengaluru.
  • Conceptualized in 2020; likened to India's version of the Human Genome Project.

Why Genetic Mapping Matters

  • It helps in understanding:
    • Disease predisposition and drug responses.
    • Rare genetic disorders prevalent in specific Indian communities.
    • Tailoring personalised medicine based on individual genome sequences.
    • Genetic clues about behavioral traits, height, facial features, etc.

Scientific Insights

  • Human DNA contains 3 billion nucleotide sequences (A, T, C, G).
  • 9% of DNA is the same in all humans; 0.1% difference defines traits.
  • Even 1-2% variation can significantly affect health or physical characteristics.
  • The project focuses on the germline genome (heritable DNA).
Genome India Project

Applications in Healthcare

  • Can help design:
    • Precision medicine.
    • Targeted therapies for conditions affecting specific communities.
    • Better drug efficacy predictions (pharmacogenomics).
  • Tracks how certain treatments work for some but not others.

Population Evolution & Migration

  • Helps in understanding:
    • Population ancestry and lineage.
    • Migrations, intermingling of linguistic and ethnic groups.
    • Filling gaps in Indian historical and genetic records.

Global Significance

  • Complements global genetic databases.
  • Highlights India’s rich genetic and cultural diversity.
  • Helps resolve questions of human origin and migration, especially in a diverse country like India.