‘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.
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
Last updated on June, 2025
→ UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
Tags: 'phenome india' project
