‘Phenome India’ Project

‘Phenome India’ Project Latest News

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) had initiated a proposal call for ‘Translational Research using GenomeIndia data’ without disclosing crucial information about the available phenotype data, causing concerns among researchers across India.

Background

• The project successfully collected blood samples and associated phenotype data from over 20,000 individuals belonging to 83 population groups, comprising 30 tribal and 53 non-tribal populations spread across India.
• Preliminary findings based on the genetic data of 9,772 individuals were published in the journal Nature Genetics on April 8, 2025.

Types of Phenotype Data Collected

• The collected phenotype data included anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, hip circumference, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
• From the blood samples, complete blood counts and biochemical data such as glucose levels, lipid profiles, liver function, and kidney function tests were measured.

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About ‘Phenome India’ Project

• The “Phenome India” project, officially named Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CheCK) is an initiative launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on December 7, 2023.
• The main objective of the project is to develop India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases including diabetes, liver diseases, and cardiac diseases.
• It is India’s first-ever pan-India longitudinal health monitoring study focused specifically on cardio-metabolic health.
• Participants include around 10,000 individuals—primarily CSIR employees, pensioners, and their spouses—from across 17 states and 24 cities.
• Collected data includes clinical questionnaires, lifestyle and dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, imaging and scanning data, and extensive biochemical and molecular data.
• This study is crucial for understanding how ethnic diversity and lifestyle patterns unique to India influence the risk and incidence of cardio-metabolic disorders.
• Through this project, CSIR is promoting a Predictive, Personalised, Participatory, and Preventive (P4) healthcare model suited to Indian genetic and phenotypic profiles.

‘Phenome India’ Project FAQs

Q1: What is the GenomeIndia Project?
Ans: The GenomeIndia Project is a national initiative to sequence the whole genomes of 10,000 Indian citizens to create a reference genome for the Indian population.

Q2: Which institutions are leading the GenomeIndia Project?
Ans: The project is coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, along with 20 other institutions across India.

Q3: Under which ministry is the GenomeIndia Project initiated?
Ans: The project is supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Source: TH