Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology

CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) is a scientific research institute devoted primarily to integrated biological research. It is a part of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India.^[1]

The institute started off as the Center for Biochemical Technology in 1977 and the primary focus was biochemical research but since the inception of genomics and bioinformatics approaches, the focus shifted to integrative biology. Today, it stands amongst the premiere research institutes of CSIR.

IGIB was a co-host of the prestigious Human Genome Organization (HUGO) meet HGM-2008 (13th Human Genome Meeting, Sat 27-Tue 30 Sep 2008), held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Hyderabad, India,^[2] where Prof. S.K.Brahmachari, former Director of IGIB and current Director General of CSIR and DSIR co-chaired the meet with Prof. Edison Liu, HUGO president.

Location

CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
Near Jubilee Hall, Delhi
Mall Road, Delhi-110 007

History

IGIB was established in 1977 as the Center for Biochemical Technology.(CBT). The Functional Genomics Unit was established in 1998 with the focus shifting from chemical to genomics research. The institute was rechristened "Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology" in 2002 and encompassed Computational and Bioinformatics approaches in making a deliberate shift towards Integrative Biological Research.

Overview

IGIB is one of the premier laboratories under CSIR, carrying out important Research & Development activities in various areas of modern biotechnology and biological sciences such as allergy and infectious diseases, molecular pathogenesis and recombinant DNA technology while focusing mainly on Genomics and Bio-informatics. The research activities/projects of the Institute can be classified under the "Discovery Research" and "Collaborative Research".^[3]

The Institute is well equipped with Bio safety level 3 (BSL3) Laboratory facility to work with pathogenic microorganisms

Institute has transformed from an isolated laboratory working in the area of biochemical research to a laboratory dedicated to genomics research.^[4]

Achievements

After the genome sequence of the virus that causes SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) was brought into public domain, in 2003 its scientists discovered three new genes of the virus, using patented computational tools and a gene prediction method called ``Gene Decipher" developed at the IGIB, for gene prediction and functional analysis.^[5] In 2004, the institute along with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), after discovering the "genetic mutation" that could possibly make certain people susceptible to schizophrenia, started developing a "schizophrenia screening technique", and was granted a US patent for it,^[6] then 2009, its team decoded the whole genome sequencing of the wild-type zebrafish, with about 1.7 billion genetic alphabets. This made the fish, which is native to the Himalayan region, the first vertebrate to have its whole genome sequenced in India, as previously Indian scientists had only sequenced bacteria and plant genomes.^[7][8] In December 2009, scientists at IGIB decoded human genome for the first time in India.^[9][10][11] The Institute also collaborated on decoding the first Sri Lankan ^[12][13] Genome and Malayasian Genome.^[14] The Institute is also a lead member of the Open Personal Genomics Consortium.^[15] Researchers in the institute have been pioneering community participation in personal genomics.^[16] The Institute has also embarked on an ambitious project to sequence 100 individuals with extreme lifespans as part of the Wellness Genomics Project^[17] and also collaborates with the Archon X Prize

Industrial Alliances

IGIB has formed alliances with leading Biotech/Pharmaceutical companies to work jointly in developing cost-effective, indigenous technologies in order to provide improved health-care facilities to the masses. Moreover, it has built on its current research strength to create a distinctive research profile and has also gained international recognition in key research areas in Biological research. The alliances formed by IGIB are not only restricted to research but are also for activities in human resource development and for providing biomedical services etc. This has helped the Institute to position itself as a knowledge provider and improve the frequency levels of its interaction with the Industry. Recognizing the wealth of knowledge vested in the Institute, its research capabilities, several leading companies from Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry Have come forward to form alliances with the Institute.

Extension Centers (Branches)

The main IGIB campus is located at Mall Road, New Delhi near Delhi University North Campus. IGIB's alliance with the Biotech/Pharmaceuticals has led to its growth and setting up of two extension centers - one at South Delhi (IGIB Annex at TCGA, Okhla) and the other at Western Delhi at Naraina.

References

External links

• IGIB Official Website