Page 11 - Biennial Report 2018-20 Jun 2021

SUMMARY

Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, a constituent laboratory of
the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has a rich history of

genomics research. In the past, it was one of the first institutes in India to
adopt genomics as a primary area of research. In due course, this focus area

has grown in many directions encompassing metagenomics, genome
sequencing of vertebrates and invertebrates and in-depth studies into the

genomes of healthy individuals, patients and altered genomes in cancer
samples. IGIB was at the forefront of personal genomics and kept pace with

the emergence of new technology not just in genomics but also other
“omics” platforms. The proficiency in deploying the latest tools and
technology for modern biology has also allowed us to tackle problems such

as rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding
the complex biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, exploring the

molecular basis of skin pigmentation, wound healing and developing
peptides and nanoparticles for intra-cellular delivery of molecules and

selective targeting of biological pathways remain fascinating research
problems at IGIB.

In this report, we focus on the key achievements at IGIB during the period
of two years from April 2018-March 2020. Continuing the work on genomics

for public health, under the Indigen project, IGIB scientists have been

sequencing genomes and mining them for actionable mutations, prioritizing
targets for pharmacogenomics and corrective therapies. We are well on the
path to sequencing more than a thousand Indian genomes.

Genodermatosis, rare cardiac channelopathies and nephrotic syndrome are

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