Why is it in the news?
- Over the last decade, genomics has undergone a revolutionary shift with improved technologies, reducing the cost of whole-genome sequencing.
- Population-scale genome sequencing programs have emerged, decoding the genetic makeup of large populations.
| deCODE Initiative
· Initiated in Iceland in 1996 by deCODE genomics, encouraging large-scale population genetic studies. · Contributed to understanding diseases, risk assessment, and set standards for handling large-scale genomic data. |
More about the Global Initiatives
- Numerous countries and organizations worldwide are engaged in population-scale genome initiatives.
- Initiatives include the ‘100K Genome’ project in the UK, ‘1+ Million Genomes’ in the European Union, and ‘Three Million African Genomes.’
- Objectives include understanding disease prevalence, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
- Some programs aim to build scalable public-health initiatives using genomic data for decision-making and medical care.
- Moreover, the cost of whole-genome sequencing is decreasing, making it more accessible.
- Growing evidence of the data’s usefulness suggests a significant number of individuals worldwide may have their genomes sequenced.
- Ethical Challenges: Concerns include equitable representation, access, and potential misuse of genetic data.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Some countries, like the U.S., have established regulatory frameworks (e.g., Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act) to prevent misuse of genetic data.
| · The GenomeAsia project aims to sequence a lakh whole-genomes from diverse populations.
· The IndiGen pilot program and the GenomeIndia initiative are contributing to population-level sequencing in India. · The UK announced the completion of half a million whole-genome sequences, constituting almost 0.7% of its population. These datasets are transformative, offering unprecedented insights into human diversity. |
Conclusion
- Population-scale genomics extends beyond individual health to shape our understanding of human evolution, migration, and adaptation.
- Contributes significantly to knowledge of human biology and stands at the forefront of a genomic revolution.
