Union and state governments have pumped in Rs 4 crore to set up India's first dedicated DNA centre in Bangalore at the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories. While the Centre has chipped in Rs 3.5 crore, the State has provided an assistance of Rs 50 lakh.

Although India has around 15 such centres, the key differentiator of the new centre is that it has inked a pact with the Centre for Human Genetics (CHG), Bangalore. The association with CHG will provide the much-needed knowledge and technical expertise in solving issues during DNA profiling, Dr BM Mohan, director, Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, told Pharmabiz.

On the healthcare front, the DNA samples are vital to diagnose genetic disorders. A huge section of the Indian population suffers from genetic disorders, of which diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are the most common. By looking at the DNA profiles, it would be able to identify those at risk at an earlier stage, so that corrective measures or lifestyles can be adopted. Also the Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994, has provided mandatory provisions to establish the DNA polymorphisms between donor and recipient before the human organs are transplanted for therapeutic purposes.

Science of DNA is evolving and the technical inputs from experts at CHG will provide the reliability to prove the evidences. For instance, there are several complexities emerge out the decomposed and fresh blood DNA samples available to ascertain the biological identification while detecting missing persons and dispensing civil and criminal cases. The DNA centre can also help to solve the paternity suits.

The government of Karnataka after recognizing the advances in the DNA technology and necessitated it to be an integral part of the investigations and prosecution which has accorded sanction to establish a DNA Centre.

Currently, a team of 6 to 8 experts from the DNA Centre and CHG will be engaged to provide the much needed support, stated Dr Mohan.

According to Prof. H Sharat Chandra, director, Centre for Human Genetics, there is a need for more centres considering the number of tests that require DNA studies.

The final report of the DNA profiling advisory committee and the DNA profiling bill 2006 would be soon be placed before the Parliament. The DNA database of all the convicted people could speed up the process of investigations. DNA profiling is a costly affair and would require a revenue of Rs 2,284 crore to meet all the expenses including databases, he said. This is one of the reasons why all the cases cannot be referred for DNA profiling.

"Creating a database is just not enough without creating an extensive networking. The US and Europe have been successful in networking. The DNA tests can be carried only if samples are brought to the lab. Therefore speedy collection and delivery are essential. A lot of glamour is attached to the DNA research. It is dangerous a trend and here lies the importance of checks and balances," added Prof. Chandra.