First Human Genome Sequencing in India

The sequencing of first human genome in India by Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi, a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has helped our country join the league of select countries undertaking advanced research in the area of genomics.

The sequencing of human genome requires high computational capability and technological know-how in handling sophisticated machines and analyzing huge volumes of data. CSIR generated the human genome sequence data using commercially available reagents and next generation sequencing instruments. The assembly and mapping of the human genome was indigenously accomplished by effectively integrating complex computational and bioinformatics tools with high throughput analytical capabilities using super computers at CSIR-IGIB. The computational and bioinformatics know-how have been developed at CSIR over the last decade.

The cost of human genome sequencing done at CSIR-IGIB is comparable with similar recent efforts world over.

This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha today.

Source: Press Information Bureau
Date: March 11, 2010