India is forging a new path in health with the launch of its first Human Genome Mapping project. This ambitious initiative, set to span the next five years, will involve the scanning of a staggering 20,000 Indian genomes. The ultimate objective? To develop diagnostic tests and innovative therapies, particularly pertaining to cancer. The project is currently being spearheaded by The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The State of Cancer in India
In India, cancer rates are projected to double every two decades due to the nation’s rapidly aging population. Certain regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, are forecasted to bear the brunt of the cancer burden. This increase in cancer cases has been attributed to greater life expectancy amongst Indians, as explained by the Epidemiological Transition Level concept (ETL). States with a higher ETL typically boast a better development index coupled with higher cancer rates. Currently, Kerala tops the charts with the highest ETL, while Uttar Pradesh lags behind with the lowest. In light of this, it has been suggested that the government take into account both the Bhore and Mudaliar committee report recommendations for managing and treating cancer.
A Two-Phase Approach
The Human Genome Mapping project will be executed in two distinct phases. Phase one will consist of sequencing the complete genomes of 10,000 healthy Indians. Phase two will then involve genome sequencing of 10,000 individuals suffering from various diseases. Crucially, the data from the human sequencing process will be made available to researchers via the proposed National Biological Data Centre, which is part of the Biological Data Storage, Access, and Sharing Policy. The microbiome samples required for the project will be collected from the human gut by the National Centre for Cell Sciences.
National Centre for Cell Science: A Snapshot
| Location | Research Fields |
|---|---|
| Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra | Biotechnology, tissue engineering, tissue banking |
| Cell-culture, cell-repository, immunology, chromatin-remodelling |
The National Centre for Cell Science is a pioneering research centre in India, known for its significant contributions to the field of biotechnology.
The Potential of Genome Mapping
Progressive advancements in medical science position genome sequencing as a vital tool in disease management. This technology could facilitate predictive diagnosis and precision medicine, most notably in identifying genetic disorders. The genome project also holds promise in ameliorating genetic screening techniques for diseases prior to birth, resolving evolutionary puzzles through DNA comparison, and affording ground-breaking insights into healthcare.
Concerns About Genome Mapping
Despite its potential benefits, genome mapping raises significant concerns. Genetic discrimination could become rampant, with employers potentially screening prospective employees based on their genotypes. Questions concerning the ownership and control of genetic information also remain critical. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to establish guidelines on the fair use of genetic data in various sectors, such as insurance, employment, criminal justice, education, adoption, and the military.
