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Genomelndia project creates genomic sequence database of 10,000 Indians, moving a step forward in disease detection and treatment

- ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY NEW DELHI

IMAGINE THIS. An Indian individual with elevated cholesterol levels, is prescribed statins, a class of medications that block an enzyme crucial for making cholesterol. A year later, there is no change. The doctor knows statins are only extensively assessed for efficacy in western populations—Indian genes may differ. A blood test indicates that the patient has a genetic mutation hindering statins' effectiveness. The doctor then prescribes more suitable drugs based on the patient's genetic profile.

Such personalised medical treatment could soon be possible. Scientists from 20 research institutions in the country have brought us closer to such a scenario. The group said on January 9 that the GenomeIndia project has successfully sequenced 10,074 DNA samples from healthy individuals, creating India's largest genetic reference database so far. Analysis of 5,750 samples, as per the project website, found unique features in DNA, including rare variations unique to Indians.

"By identifying genetic variants associated with diseases, the project will enable early diagnosis and prevention of genetic disorders," says V Mohan, chairperson, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai. Although Mohan is not involved in the project, he says the database could help in research of rare monogenic forms of diabetes, caused by a change in a single gene. Genome sequencing also helps study why some population groups are more susceptible to specific diseases, says Raghu Padinjat, professor, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, and principal investigator of the project.