Hello Readers,
In today’s blog we will learn about the world’s first database of genomic variation of oral cancer. We will discuss in detail about the database, the institute where it is created, its importance and other relevant key facts related to it. So read till the end if you want to know all about the database.
NIBMG (National Institute of Biomedical Genomics)
The DBT-NIBMG in Kalyani, West Bengal is an autonomous Institute funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. It has created a database on genomic variations in oral cancer (dbGENVOC), the first of its kind in the world.
What is dbGENVOC?
dbGENVOC is a browsable online database of genomic variations of oral cancer.
NIBMG has made it publicly accessible. It is a free resource.
The database has a built-in powerful search engine. It also enables online statistical and bioinformatic analysis, such as detecting variations in linked altered pathways in oral cancer.
What does the database contain?
- The database consists of 24 million somatic and germline variants.
- It has somatic variation data from 220 patient samples collected in the United States. The samples are evaluated by the TCGA-HNSCC (The Cancer Genome Atlas Head-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma) project.
- It also has manually curated variation data of 118 patients.
Importance of dbGENVOC
The repository is said to be updated annually with variation data from new oral cancer patients from different regions of India and Southeast India.The database has the potential to aid advancements in oral cancer research. It will be a significant step toward moving from simply listing variations to understanding their importance.
What are somatic and germline cells?
Somatic cells – It is any cell of the body except sperm and egg cells. Mutations in somatic cells can affect only the individual and are not passed onto offsprings.
Germline cells – These are the cells in the sexual organs that produce sperms and eggs. Any mutations in these cells can be passed to offspring.
Oral cancer – An important health issue in India
India contributes to almost one-third of the total cases globally. It is the second highest country in oral cancer cases. It is most prevalent among men in India due to tobacco consumption. Annually 77,000 new cases and 55,000 deaths are reported in India.
About Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Headquarters – New Delhi
Secretary – Dr. Renu Swarup
With this, we come to the end of this blog. We tried to cover the major points related to the newly founded dbGENVOC database. We also briefed some terms in detail for better understanding of the topic. Hope you find this article interesting and informative.
We will be back with more such useful articles.
Stay tuned!
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