Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Garbh-INI Program
Mains level: NA
Central idea: The scientists working in the Garbh-Ini program have identified 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
What is Garbh-Ini?
- It is an interdisciplinary research program in India that focuses on the advanced research of birth outcomes.
- It is a collaborative initiative under the Department of Biotechnology.
- It is led by DBT-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech cluster, Faridabad, in collaboration with DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, DBT-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Gurugram Civil Hospital, and other organizations.
- The program aims to use advanced technology to improve maternal and child health outcomes and address the high incidence of preterm births in India.
What are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)?
- Genetic markers are specific sequences of DNA that can be used to identify an individual or a particular trait.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation that occurs in the DNA sequence.
- SNPs occur when a single nucleotide (A, C, T, or G) in the DNA sequence is altered.
- These changes can occur in any region of the genome and can be used as genetic markers to identify specific traits or disease susceptibility.
Significance of the Study
- The study is significant as it identifies 19 SNPs or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
- Out of these 19 SNPs, five were found to be associated with an increased risk of early preterm birth (birth before 33 weeks) and can be used to predict premature births.
- This is the first study in South Asia to identify genetic markers associated with preterm births, and it has significant implications for improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.
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