Gujarat has become the first Indian state to initiate a genome sequencing project specifically for tribal populations, marking a major step toward healthcare equity through science and innovation. The project aims to sequence the genomes of 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts, focusing on the detection of genetic risk markers for diseases like sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and hereditary cancers.
India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project
This project goes beyond scientific research, targeting personalised healthcare, early diagnosis, and data-driven public health planning to empower underserved tribal communities.
Initiative: “Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat”
Implemented by: Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC)
Announced under: Gujarat State Budget 2025–26
Objectives:
- Genetic Risk Identification: Detect markers linked to:
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Thalassemia
- Hereditary cancers
- Precision Healthcare: Enable personalised treatment protocols based on genetic profiling.
- Tribal Empowerment: Use scientific research to uplift tribal communities through better health outcomes.
Features of the Project:
- Population Target: 2,000 tribal individuals from 17 districts.
- Focus Areas: Health risk profiling, genetic diagnostics, and personalised medicine.
- Infrastructure: Advanced facilities for:
- Sample collection
- Genome sequencing
- Data interpretation
- Social Impact:
- Reduces healthcare disparity for tribal populations.
- Integrates traditional communities into cutting-edge medical research.
- Strengthens scientific foundations for region-specific health policies.
What is Genome Sequencing?
- Definition: Process of identifying the exact order of nucleotides (A, T, C, G) in a person’s DNA molecule. It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
- India’s first human genome sequencing was completed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2009.
- Types:
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS): Maps the full DNA sequence.
- Partial Genome Sequencing: Sequences only certain sections of the genome.
- Targeted Gene Sequencing: Focuses on specific genes of interest.
- Applications:
- Detection of disease-causing mutations.
- Designing customised treatment and drug response strategies.
- Genetic mapping for agriculture and biotechnology (e.g., crop improvement).
Genome Sequencing vs. Genome Editing
| Feature | Genome Sequencing | Genome Editing |
| Definition | Reading the DNA sequence | Changing/altering the DNA sequence |
| Purpose | To understand genetic structure and identify mutations | To correct, insert, or delete genes for specific outcomes |
| Tools Used | DNA sequencers | CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, ZFNs |
| Use Cases | Disease risk prediction, research | Gene therapy, crop engineering, genetic disorder correction |
| Nature | Diagnostic and predictive | Therapeutic and transformative |
Significance of Tribal Genome Project
- Healthcare Equity: Tackles genetic diseases in underserved tribal populations through early detection and intervention.
- Data-Driven Public Health: Lays groundwork for a long-term genomic database, aiding in policy formulation and research.
- Replicability: First-of-its-kind initiative that can be adopted by other states with indigenous/tribal populations.
- Precision Medicine: Opens avenues for personalised treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles.