​Gujarat scientists set to decode Indian genes

AHMEDABAD: Ten years ago, the prestigious Human Genome Project (HGP) was completed giving scientists a first glimpse of the massive instruction book that orchestrates all the complexities of human biology. Of the 200 people pooled for the project, however, not one was from India as our country did not participate in the project. This is set to change.

Gujarat-based Sardar Patel University (SPU) has undertaken what can be colloquially called a 'swadeshi' study to unravel the genome specific to Indians. Since India is in itself a diverse country, the project will study the genes of three Indians — one each from North India, South Indian and the North-East.

Vice-chancellor of SPU Dr Harish Padh said the study 'Analysis of Indian genome' has been funded by the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission. "North Indians have many Caucasian characteristics since they belong to Aryan descent, South Indians belong to Dravidian descent while north-east people are of Mongoloid descent. Three Indians from these regions will be anonymously selected and their genome will be documented," said Dr Padh.

Padh said this will be the first dedicated complete genetic study specific to Indians. A majority of the diseases, including cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiac illnesses which are exploding in India, have genetic origins.

"The project involved analysis of DNA sequence to understand normal functioning of the human body and changes in sequence which leads to diseases. There are many known genetic variations which cause diseases but we are looking forward to finding certain newer mutations and variants. The complete genetic study will open a guidebook for prevention and better treatment of diseases," said Padh.

He said that while most of the diagnostic and drug therapies are developed using Caucasian and European genetic bench-marks, the Indian genome would help develop specific diagnostic tests and drug therapies for Indians.

The project will be undertaken by a four-member team headed by Dr Padh and is expected to be completed in six months.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

​Gujarat scientists set to decode Indian genes

Dengan url

http://pijitwajah.blogspot.com/2013/04/agujarat-scientists-set-to-decode.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

​Gujarat scientists set to decode Indian genes

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

​Gujarat scientists set to decode Indian genes

sebagai sumbernya