It is a great pleasure to introduce the multi-crore ‘Manav’ initiative, a revolutionary step by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Persistent Systems, a leading biotechnology company. The project aims to compile a comprehensive database illustrating all molecular networks within the human body. With this groundbreaking endeavor, we seek to provide a complete understanding of the functioning of our bodies. This joint venture sees DBT investing Rs 13 crore and Persistent Systems adding another Rs 7 crore.
Understanding Manav: A Masterclass in Molecular Mapping
In stark contrast to the Human Cell Atlas project launched in 2016, which generates data on cellular and molecular activities via techniques like single cell genomics, India’s ‘Manav’ initiative capitalises on existing scientific knowledge to garner insights on cellular networks. While the 2016 global project delved deeply into both normal and disease states of various cell types, the Indian venture is fueled by extensive information from scientific literature.
Extracting Knowledge from the Unstructured
Manav is not a mere data repository but a transformational project that will collate, integrate, and organize molecular information on human tissues and organs, currently scattered across various research articles. The initiative envisages harnessing the potential of the vast biological community, involving both students and scientists. These participants will be responsible for extracting and adding information from scientific literature at the level of cells and organs.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps
The integrated database is anticipated to be a powerful tool for researchers, illuminating areas of limited knowledge and guiding future diagnostics and disease biology projects. Moreover, the amassed data may elucidate the differential molecular factors between diseased states and a healthy state of an organ.
Streamlining Execution
Manav will be driven forward by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and the National Center for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune. These institutes will be instrumental in training students while Persistent Systems will shoulder technology platform and data management responsibilities.
Institution Overview
| Institution | Establishment |
|---|---|
| IISER | Autonomous institution established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development |
| NCCS | Autonomous organisation aided by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology |
Empowering Biological Community
The initiative presents a unique opportunity to facilitate skill development among budding biologists. Thorough working knowledge and experience gained in data curation and analysis during this project will open up an array of career opportunities in the life sciences sector. Furthermore, the technical platforms and methodologies developed could be extrapolated to explore other scientific projects on biodiversity, ecology, environment, and more, holding national or global relevance.
