Syllabus
GS 2: Polity and Governance
Context:
Recently, the Gujarat government launched a genome sequencing project to build a genetic database of 20 tribal groups from 17 districts in the state.
More on the news:
The project, a local extension of the recently completed Genome India Project (GIP), will be conducted over the next five years.
- The Genome India Project (GIP), whose report was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January, processed 10,000 genomes from 83 diverse groups and stored them at the Indian Biological Data Centre.
The entire eastern belt of Gujarat has a mostly tribal population and shares borders with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
About 1,800 samples came from Gujarat, but only around 100 were from tribal communities, which is too few to fully represent them.
To address this, the Gujarat Tribal Genome Sequencing Project aims to understand the genetic makeup of the state’s tribal population, which makes up about 15% of Gujarat’s population—roughly 1 crore people.
This project will also help to strengthen the national Genome India dataset with more accurate and inclusive tribal data.
The Creation of a Reference Genome Database for the Tribal Population in Gujarat, approved in the 2025–26 budget, will be led by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
About Methodology
Initial Process
As part of the project, scientists will collect samples from 4,158 individuals from various tribal communities in Gujarat.
They will also record physical measurements, blood biochemistry and create a diverse genetic database of around 2,000 tribal genomes.
An official explained that they will genotype the samples and remove those that are genetically similar.
This will help eliminate sampling bias and ensure genetic diversity in the final dataset. The method used will be SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) genotyping.
Out of the 4,158 samples:
- 378 will be trio samples (from an individual and their biological parents).
- 3,780 will be individual samples.
In addition to blood samples, stool samples will also be collected to gather microbial data.
Data collected will include:
- Name, education and medical history
- Genealogical tree and any addictions
Physical features like height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and waist size.
The Analysis
Blood samples will be collected from the field and sent to GBRC in Gandhinagar.
At GBRC, the blood will be tested to check basic health indicators like blood cells and chemicals.
After that, a process called genotyping will be done. This helps identify genes that control traits like blood type and haemoglobin levels.
Then, scientists will use a method called Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This helps them find and remove samples that are too closely related.
Out of all the samples, 2,000 will be chosen for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
The WGS will be done using a special machine called Illumina NovaSeq 6000.
When the samples arrive at the lab, each one will get a Unique ID.
- This means the people handling the samples won’t know the person’s gender or tribe.
- The data will be encrypted twice to keep it private and secure.
States like Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, which have large tribal populations (22% and 21%), are interested in taking part in this project.
- Their involvement will depend on the decision of their state governments.
Significance
Understanding genome characteristics will help the government design more targeted and effective programmes.
The project has a six-point agenda, which includes:
- Capturing the unique genetic diversity of India’s population,
- Improving the diagnosis of rare diseases,
- Supporting the development of new drugs,
- Creating precision medical treatments based on genetic profiles,
- Building a genomic reference panel for the tribal population, and
- Strengthening public health research infrastructure.
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