The Garbh-Ini program’s scientists discovered 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genetic markers linked to preterm or premature delivery.
What exactly is Garbh-Ini?
- It is an interdisciplinary research programme in India that focuses on advanced birth outcomes research.
- It is a joint endeavour of the Department of Biotechnology.
- It is led by the DBT-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) at Faridabad’s NCR Biotech cluster, in partnership with the DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, the DBT-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Gurugram Civil Hospital, and other organisations.
- The program’s goal is to use modern technologies to improve mother and child health outcomes and address India’s high rate of preterm deliveries.
SNPs are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
- Genetic markers are DNA sequences that can be used to identify an individual or a certain trait.
- SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are the most common sort of genetic variation seen in DNA sequences.
- When a single nucleotide (A, C, T, or G) in the DNA sequence changes, an SNP occurs.
- These alterations can occur in any area of the genome and can be used to identify certain features or disease vulnerability as genetic markers.
The Importance of the Research
- The study is significant since it discovers 19 SNPs or genetic markers linked to preterm or premature delivery.
- Five of the 19 SNPs were linked to an elevated risk of early preterm delivery (born before 33 weeks) and can be used to predict premature births.
- This is the first South Asian study to find genetic markers linked to preterm births, and it has important implications for improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-scientists-find-genetic-markers-associated-with-premature-births-8565651/