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The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council – National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG) is making groundbreaking strides in advancing genomic medicine and addressing critical public health challenges in India. With a commitment to deciphering the genetic underpinnings of major diseases and translating research findings into tangible healthcare solutions, the institute has emerged as a leading hub for genomic research in the country.
Pioneering Genomic Research Projects
BRIC-NIBMG has undertaken transformative research initiatives spanning cancers, complex diseases, infectious diseases, and computational genomics. Notable ongoing projects include studies on oral, cervical, breast, pancreatic, colon, and lung cancers, with a focus on understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnostics, and developing therapies.
The institute’s research has yielded significant outcomes, including:
- Oral Cancer Advances: A publicly accessible database of oral cancer mutations in Indian patients has been developed, enabling early diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions. A 3D organoid model and cell lines derived from Indian oral tumours are facilitating advanced research.
- Tuberculosis Genomics: In collaboration with the Indian Tuberculosis Genome Sequencing Consortium, BRIC-NIBMG has sequenced 3,053 drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes, offering faster diagnostic alternatives to culture-based methods.
- Preterm Birth Studies: The institute conducted the first Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on preterm birth in South-East Asia, identifying SNPs linked to preterm birth risk and microbial taxa influencing outcomes.
- Liver Disease Insights: Researchers have discovered genetic signatures associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and transcriptomic markers for disease progression.
National and Global Initiatives
BRIC-NIBMG is at the forefront of national efforts like the Genome India Program, which aims to create a comprehensive genetic database of the Indian population, and the One Day One Genome Initiative, harnessing India’s microbial diversity under the BioE3 policy.
Internationally, the institute collaborates with premier organizations, including the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK), Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (USA), and RIKEN (Japan). It plays a pivotal role in global initiatives like the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and the Human Cell Atlas (HCA).
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
To maintain its leadership in genomics, BRIC-NIBMG is continually upgrading its infrastructure. Key developments include:
- A BSL-3 facility for research on infectious agents causing severe diseases.
- A soon-to-be-completed animal research facility to advance translational studies.
- Tools and statistical models for genomic data integration, accelerating biomedical discoveries.
Transforming Indian Healthcare
By prioritizing public health issues of national relevance, BRIC-NIBMG bridges cutting-edge science and healthcare applications. From establishing genetic databases to enhancing therapeutic approaches, the institute’s contributions are pivotal in shaping the future of personalized medicine and improving population health in India.
This progress was highlighted by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the critical role of BRIC-NIBMG in genomic research and its impact on global scientific collaborations.
