In News:

Gujarat has become the first Indian state to launch a genome sequencing initiative specifically targeting tribal communities. The Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, announced in July 2025, aims to identify genetic health risks among tribal populations and develop precision healthcare strategies.

About the Project

• Name: Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat
• Launched by: Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC)
• Coverage: 2,000 individuals from tribal communities across 17 districts in Gujarat
• Budgetary Support: Part of the Gujarat State Budget 2025–26

Objectives

• Identify genetic risk markers for inherited disorders such as:
  • Sickle cell anaemia
  • Thalassaemia
  • Hereditary cancers
• Develop personalised healthcare protocols tailored to tribal genetic profiles.
• Detect natural immunity markers to aid targeted medical interventions.
• Promote data-driven tribal health equity and science-led empowerment.

Key Features

• Establishes advanced infrastructure for:
  • Sample collection
  • Genome sequencing
  • Genetic data interpretation
• Enables early detection and targeted treatment for genetically inherited diseases.
• Involves community engagement for inclusive participation and awareness.
• Represents diverse tribal groups, ensuring comprehensive genomic mapping.

Significance

• Healthcare Equity: Bridges the healthcare gap by enabling affordable, preventive, and precision medicine for marginalised tribal communities.
• Scientific Advancement: Provides a genomic reference database for long-term public health research and policy planning.
• Scalability: Sets a precedent for other Indian states to replicate region-specific genomic initiatives aimed at health inclusion.

What is Genome Sequencing?

• A genome is the complete set of DNA in an organism.
• Human DNA comprises 23 pairs of chromosomes, made up of millions of nucleotide bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C)
• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) decodes the exact sequence of these bases, helping identify genetic disorders and traits.

Why is it in the News?

The Government’s ambitious Genome India initiative achieved a significant milestone Tuesday as researchers completed sequencing 10,000 healthy genomes from different regions of the country, representing 99 distinct populations.

News Summary:

• The Department of Biotechnology has announced the successful completion of India's '10,000 genome' project, aimed at establishing a comprehensive reference database of whole-genome sequences within the country.
• This milestone marks the creation of a detailed genetic map of India, offering significant potential for both clinicians and researchers in diverse fields.
• With India emerging as the largest genetic laboratory globally, this rich dataset is poised to catalyze advancements in the country's biology sector.
• Notably, India's bio-economy has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, signaling a promising trajectory for future development.
• The entirety of the genomic dataset will be housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), serving as a valuable digital resource for research purposes.
• Established in 2022, the IBDC represents India's sole indigenous databank, eliminating the need for Indian researchers to rely on foreign servers for hosting biological datasets.

What is Genome Sequencing?

• Genome sequencing is the process of determining the exact order of the building blocks (nucleotides) that make up an organism's entire DNA, or genome.
• It's like reading the complete instruction manual for life, containing the information needed to create and maintain an organism.

Applications of Genome Sequencing:

• Healthcare: Doctors can diagnose diseases with greater accuracy, personalize treatments, and uncover the causes of rare conditions.
• Agriculture: Scientists can engineer crops with desired traits like disease resistance and improved yield, while breeders select animals with specific characteristics.
• Forensics: DNA profiling aids criminal investigations and paternity testing.
• Conservation: Studying the genetic diversity of endangered species helps with conservation efforts while analyzing invasive species' origins aids in controlling their spread.

What is the Human Genome Project (HGP)?

• Initiated in 1990, the Human Genome Project aimed to elucidate the entire sequence of the human genome.
• In 2023, the project culminated in the release of the latest version of the complete human genome, boasting a mere 0.3% error margin.
• Enabled by the Human Genome Project, whole-genome sequencing facilitates the examination of an individual's genome to uncover deviations from the average human genome.
• These deviations, or mutations, offer insights into an individual's susceptibility to diseases, their responsiveness to specific stimuli, and other pertinent genetic attributes.

About the Genome India Project:

• The Genome India Project stands as a pioneering initiative approved by the Department of Biotechnology, geared towards gene mapping.
• This project sets out with the ambitious objective of compiling an exhaustive repository documenting genetic diversity across the Indian populace.
• At its core, the endeavor seeks to conduct genome sequencing for more than 10,000 individuals spanning various geographic and ethnic backgrounds within India, ultimately laying the groundwork for a standardized reference genome specific to the Indian demographic.

Significance of the Genome India Project:

• Unveiling Unique Genetic Variants: The Genome India Project holds the key to unraveling genetic variants exclusive to India’s diverse population, enabling tailored drug formulations and therapeutic interventions.
  • For instance, mutations like MYBPC3, linked to premature cardiac arrest and prevalent in 4.5% of Indians, underscore the necessity of region-specific genetic insights, contrasting with global rarity.
  • Similarly, the discovery of the LAMB3 mutation, causing a severe skin disorder and impacting nearly 4% of the population around Madurai, emphasizes the localized genetic complexities absent in global databases.
• Comprehensive Database for India's Population: With a colossal population exceeding 1.3 billion, India boasts a mosaic of over 4,600 distinct population groups, many practicing endogamy.
  • This vast demographic diversity underscores the need for a comprehensive genetic database tailored to India's populace, crucial for identifying and addressing disease-causing mutations prevalent within specific groups.
  • Unlike extrapolating findings from global datasets, the Genome India Project provides precise genetic insights essential for Indian-centric healthcare strategies.