The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has published the only fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV)
About Chandipur Vesiculovirus
- Classification: The Chandipura Virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family which includes the rabies virus.
- Impact of the Virus: The Virus is known for causing sporadic cases and outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in western, central, and southern India, especially during the monsoon seasons.
- First Identified: The Virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra.
- Type: Chandipura virus is an enveloped RNA virus
- Found in: Since the virus was first discovered in India in 1965, most of the cases have been restricted to the Indian subcontinent.
- Although no human cases have been observed outside India.
- Transmission Vectors:
- Primary Vector: Female Phlebotomine sandfly.
- Additional vectors: Mosquitoes, and ticks.
- Transmission Mechanism: The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates through bites.
- Government Initiatives: The government has launched a drive across the state for vector control and containment of the Chandipura virus – Malathion Powder (a type of Pesticide) is being sprinkled in the villages for disease control.
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What is Genome Mapping?
- It refers to the process of determining the location of genes on an organism’s chromosomes
- Application: Genome mapping provides important clues on where a virus comes from, how it is changing, and whether it has any mutations that are likely to make it more transmissible or deadly.
- Genome Mapping vs Genome Sequencing
|
Genome Mapping |
Genome Sequencing |
| Detail |
Gives a general overview of the genome structure |
Provides a highly detailed, base-by-base account of the genetic material. |
| Purpose |
Genome mapping involves creating a map or blueprint of an organism’s genome. It identifies the locations of genes and other significant features within the genome, such as regulatory elements or markers. |
Genome sequencing involves determining the exact order of the nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) in an organism’s DNA. It reveals the precise genetic code of an organism. |
| Use |
Helps in locating genes linked to traits or diseases. |
Identifies mutations, studies genetic variation, and aids in personalized medicine. |
Applications of Genome Sequencing
- Medical research and Diagnosis: Genome sequencing can be used for genetic testing and diagnosis of hereditary diseases.
- For Example: The study of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing (WGS) data has led to many important findings about this pathogen.
- Drug Development: Genome sequencing can be used to identify new drug targets, optimise drug efficacy, and develop personalised medicine.
- For Example: If a patient’s tumor has a mutation in the EGFR gene, genome sequencing can identify this mutation.
- Based on this information, doctors can prescribe targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors, which are more effective for patients with this specific genetic alteration.
- Agriculture: Genome sequencing can help breed crops and livestock with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. For Example: Bt Cotton
- Forensics: Genome sequencing can be used for forensic analysis, such as identifying victims of crimes and natural disasters.
- For Example: Forensic scientists can compare DNA found at a crime scene (from blood or hair, for example) to DNA samples taken from suspects.
- Bioengineering: Genome sequencing can aid in the design and development of synthetic biological systems and biomolecules for various applications.
- Provides an insight in evolution: Scientists studying the genome sequences of early and modern humans have shown that our ancestors interbred with other hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
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About the Genome India Project
- Research Led By: The Genome India Project (GIP) is a research initiative led by the Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Science’s Centre for Brain Research and involves over 20 universities nationwide.
- Objective: To gather samples, compile data, conduct research, and create an “Indian reference genome” grid.
- Applications: Advances agriculture, biotech, and healthcare for diseases like cancer and diabetes.
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September 5, 2024
