IndiGen Genome project

News:Research laboratories working under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) has announced the completion of IndiGen Genome Project.

Facts:

About IndiGen Genome Project:

• The Project is being implemented by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB),Delhi and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB),Hyderabad.
• The aim of the project is to undertake whole genome sequencing of thousands of individuals representing diverse ethnic groups from India.
• The project also aims to enable genetic epidemiology and develop public health technologies applications using population genome data.

Significance of the initiative:

• The genomic data will help scientists understand genetic diversity of the Indian population and make available genetic variant frequencies for clinical applications.
• The outcomes of the project will also find applications in a number of areas, including faster and efficient diagnosis of rare genetic disease.
• The project will also lead to cost-effective genetic tests enabling efficient diagnosis of heritable cancers and pharmacogenetic tests to prevent adverse drug reactions.

Additional information:

About Genome Sequencing:

• Genome sequencing means determining the order of the four chemical building blocks called bases that make up the DNA molecule.
• Genome sequencing helps to understand how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of an organism.It helps to determine unique genetic traits, susceptibility and resilience to diseases.