DBT-NIBMG creates world’s first database of genomic variants of oral cancer

 What is the News?

The National Institute of Biomedical Genomics(NIBMG) has created a database of genomic variations in oral cancer called dbGENVOC. This is the first of its kind database in the world.

About dbGENVOC:

• dbGENVOC is a browsable online database of GENomic Variants of Oral Cancer. The database is publicly available and is a free resource.
• The database will contain somatic and germline variants derived from oral cancer patients and also peer-reviewed published publications.
• The database also has a built-in search engine. This allows researchers to carry out analysis of identifying variants in associated altered pathways in oral cancer.

About Oral Cancer:

• Oral cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among men in India, largely fuelled by tobacco-chewing.
• Tobacco-chewing causes changes in the genetic material of cells in the oral cavity. These changes (mutations) precipitate oral cancer.

About NIBMG

• The NIBMG has been established as an autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology.
• This is the first institution in India explicitly devoted to research, training, translation & service, and capacity-building in Biomedical Genomics.
• Location: It is located in Kalyani, West Bengal.

What are Somatic and Germline Cells?

• A Somatic Cell is any cell of the body except sperm and egg cells. Somatic cells are diploid, meaning that they contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Mutations in somatic cells can affect the individual, but they are not passed onto offspring.
• A Germline Cells are the sex cells (eggs and sperm) that are used by sexually reproducing organisms to pass on genes from generation to generation. Egg and sperm cells are called germ cells, in contrast to the other cells of the body that are called somatic cells.