DBT, BRICS to Introduce ‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative to Harness Microbial Potential of India

New Delhi, Nov 28: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) introduces the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative to showcase the enormous microbial potential of India.

He said this initiative is coordinated by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG) an institute of the Department of Biotechnology.

Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and Former CEO NITI announced the launch of ‘One Day One Genome Initiative’ on the 1st foundation day of BRIC held in National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi on 9th November 2024

An official spokesperson said the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in our country and emphasize their critical roles in environment, agriculture and human health. Microorganisms are crucial for our ecosystem. “They play an important role in all biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, mineral purification, degradation of organic wastes and toxic pollutants along with methane production”.

Spokesperson said Cumulatively they help to maintain the homeostasis in our planet. In agriculture, they help in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, maintaining soil fertility, controlling pest and weeds and stress responses. Microorganisms symbiotically associate with plants and help them in nutrient and water uptake, he added in the statement.

“They are an indispensable part of the human body. There are many more microbial cells than the number of human cells in a human body. They are essential for our digestion, immunity and even mental health,” he added.

Experts said all infectious diseases are mainly caused by pathogenic microorganisms. On the other hand, non-pathogenic microorganisms are indispensable for our defense against infectious diseases.

Genome sequencing will allow the visualization of the hidden potential of the microbial world to the community at large. Sequencing data can be analyzed to identify the genome encoded capacities for various important enzymes, antimicrobial resistance, bio active compounds etc. Research in this field will lead to the benefit of better protection and management of our environment, development in agriculture and improvement in human health.

This initiative aims to release a fully annotated bacteriological genome isolated in the country freely available to the public. This will be complemented with a detailed graphical summary, infographics and genome assembly/annotation details. These documents will thus give an idea about the scientific and industrial use of these microbes. Consequently, microbial genomics data will become more accessible to the general public, scientific researchers and thereby stimulate discussions, innovations directly benefit the entire community and ecosystem.