Genome India Project

SYLLABUS:

GS 3 > Science and Technology   >  National institutions & initiatives  >   Basics of biotechnology

REFERENCE NEWS:

• The Genome India Project, a project funded and coordinated by the Department of Biotechnology, announced that it had finished sequencing 10,000 Indian genomes.

MORE ON NEWS:

• Researchers from 20 science institutes nationwide contributed to collecting blood samples, sequencing genomes, establishing methodologies, and managing data storage.
• With each sequence requiring 80 GB storage space, the huge dataset of 8 petabytes will be stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre in Faridabad.
• This dataset will be accessible to researchers as a "digital public good," facilitating the development of new diagnostics, targeted therapies, identification of rare diseases, and the treatment of existing ones.

GENOME:

• A genome is the complete set of genetic material present in an organism. 
• It contains all the information necessary for an organism's development, growth, functioning, and reproduction.
• Genomes are composed of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in most organisms, although some viruses have genomes made of RNA (ribonucleic acid).
• Genomes can vary in size and organisation among different organisms.
•  In humans, a genome consists of approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs organised into 23 pairs of chromosomes.

GENOME SEQUENCING:

• Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. 
• This entails sequencing all of an organism's chromosomal DNA as well as DNA contained in the mitochondria and, for plants, in the chloroplast. DNA is composed of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Genome sequencing provides a comprehensive view of an organism's genetic blueprint, including the sequence of these bases in their DNA.

WHAT IS THE GENOME INDIA PROJECT?

• The Genome India project was approved by the government in 2020 with the aim of creating a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations found in the Indian population.
• A map of genetic diversity is essential for understanding the history of our evolution, discovering the genetic basis for various diseases, and creating therapies of the future. This cannot be done using data available in existing international databases, as Indian genomes are likely to be different from that of other populations.
• Genome India Project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology, and spearheaded by Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science.

SIGNIFICANCE OF GENOME INDIA PROJECT AND GENOME SEQUENCING :

• Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Diseases: 
  • By analysing the genetic data of a diverse population like India's, researchers can identify genetic variations associated with various diseases, aiding in early detection, prevention, and targeted interventions for high-risk individuals.
  • For instance, a mutation, MYBPC3, which leads to cardiac arrest at a young age, is found in 4.5% of the Indian population but is rare globally. 
  • Another mutation called LAMB3 causes a lethal skin condition. It is found in nearly 4% of the population near Madurai, but it is not seen in global databases.
• Genetic Diversity and Population Structure:
  • India's population exhibits considerable genetic diversity due to historical migrations, endogamy, and cultural practices. 
  • The Genome India project aimed to capture this diversity by sampling individuals from diverse linguistic, ethnic, and tribal groups across the country. Analyzing genetic variations within and between populations sheds light on population history, migration patterns, and genetic admixture.
• Global Leadership: 
  • As one of the largest genomic initiatives in the world, the Genome India Project can position India as a leader in genomics research and innovation on the global stage. 
• Unique Resource for Research: 
  • The genetic map created by the Genome India project serves as a unique resource for researchers worldwide. 
  • With India's diverse population consisting of over 4,600 distinct groups, each with its genetic makeup, the dataset provides valuable insights into the impact of genetic variations on health and disease. For instance, Union Science minister described India as the “largest genetic lab in the world.”
• Targeted treatments for rare diseases:
• Studying a population's genetic makeup helps develop targeted treatments for rare diseases. 
• For instance, the development of therapies like mRNA vaccines for specific genetic mutations, such as in pancreatic cancer, demonstrates its potential impact on curing diseases.
• Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenomics: 
  • Pharmacogenomics is a field that examines how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. 
  • The Genome India Project aids pharmacogenomics research, identifying genetic variations influencing drug metabolism and reactions. This informs the development of safer, tailored medications for the Indian population.
  • For instance, certain populations like the Vaishya community in South India lack genes for processing common anaesthetics, rendering them ineffective and potentially fatal for this group.
• Agriculture: 
  • Although primarily focused on human genetics, the data and methodologies developed through the Genome India Project can also have applications in agriculture. Understanding genetic diversity can lead to the development of better crop varieties, suited to the specific climatic and soil conditions of different regions in India.
• Saving Biodiversity:
  • Genome Sequencing help record the genomes of organisms at risk. Given Climate Change and related worries of Sixth Great Extinction, genome sequencing could provide a solution to conservation efforts.
• Discovery of new Species and resources:
  • It is believed that there of the 2-3 million eukaryotic species on the planet, only about half have been identified so far. Genome sequencing can help identify many of these hidden faunal and floral varieties.
  • It can also lead to the discovery of new drugs, new biofuels, and boost agricultural technologies, with obvious commercial benefits. 

CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS:

• Fear of Scientific Racism:
  • The question of heredity and racial purity has obsessed civilizations throughout history. 
  • Increased genetic research may reinforce stereotypes and introduce racial elements into politics and history, particularly in India, where identity politics is prevalent.
• Data & Storage:
  • After collection of the sample, the anonymity of the data and questions of its possible use and misuse would need to be addressed.
  • For instance, India is yet to pass a Data Privacy Bill with adequate safeguards.
• Medical Ethics:
  • In a project that aims only to create a database of genetic information poses a risk of doctors privately performing gene modification.
  • Selective breeding or Eugenics has always been controversial for long. For instance, in Shenzhen, a scientist who claimed to have created the world's first gene-edited babies was sentenced to three years in prison.
• Lack of sufficient legal frameworks:
  • Legislative measures to regulate the biotechnology environment in India is still in the nascent stages of development. Hence, it can create fears to malpractices and inefficient regulations.
• Intellectual Property and Commercialization:
  • Genome sequencing data raises questions about intellectual property rights, data ownership, and equitable access. Balancing commercial interests with public benefit and scientific advancement presents legal and ethical challenges.
• Global Collaboration and Data Sharing:
  • Maximizing genetic data utility requires international collaboration and data sharing initiatives. Challenges may arise from regulatory differences and cultural sensitivities, underscoring the need for responsible data sharing mechanisms.
• Data Accuracy and Quality Control:
  • Ensuring accuracy and reliability involves addressing errors in sequencing, sample contamination, and data processing. Robust quality control measures are essential for meaningful interpretation and downstream applications.
• Long-term Data Storage and Maintenance:
  • Sustainable strategies for storage and maintenance include considerations for format standards, security protocols, and funding.

CONCLUSION:

• The Genome India initiative marks a significant milestone in genomic research, offering extensive implications for healthcare, biomedical sciences, and our comprehension of genetic diversity and disease genetics within the Indian population. Leveraging the Genome India Project can also bolster biotechnology initiatives in India. It's imperative to ensure effective coordination among academia, research agencies, institutions, and pharmaceutical companies to maximize the project's potential.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is a genome? Discuss the significance of Genome India Project?  (10 marks, 150 words)