No Phenotype Data Details in Genome India’s Proposal Call:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
