Ganit Labs, an integrated genome sequencing and translational genomics laboratory, has now completed the sequencing and analysis of Neem plant. The company has an advanced Bio-IT lab with next-generation sequencing instruments and an inter-disciplinary teams armed with the expertise in computer science and biology. It is now gearing up to build an open access portal to host information gathered from the current study on genome, genome architecture, coding parts and molecular evolution of the neem plant.

The sequencing of Neem or ‘Azadirachta indica’ will provide the right scientific impetus for students and young scientists to study on one of the most popular plants in the country. It will help to apply the benefits of Neem in the areas of healthcare, agriculture and biodiversity. The company has now presented its findings for a publication in one of the leading journals, stated Dr Binay Pandey head, Ganit Labs.

“We have understood the molecular architecture of the genome in Neem. There is a lot of traditional knowledge which requires to be backed by science and this is where we need to link the analysis and the documentation  to validate with modern tools,” he added.

The lab uses second generation sequencing instruments, compute clusters and scientific talent to sequence, analyse and interpret genome data from a variety of organisms.

There are 75 plant genomes today and Ganit which is a collaboration between Strand Life Sciences and Karnataka government’s Institute of Bioinformatics and Advanced Biotechnology (IBAB) will look at widening the genome sequencing to other varieties too. From the genome sequencing and translational genomics point of view, India is ideally positioned to take advantage of this data to advance national research. Fundamental issue is that  there is considerable access to empirical data but it can become only scientific to explain the mode of action and interaction. Therefore the molecular architecture of Neem will give a fillip to the traditional and modern systems of medicine, stated Dr Vijay Chandru.

As part of the integrated genome sequencing and translational genomics expertise, Ganit is also working closely on rare diseases and study plants to connect the traditional know-how with molecular knowledge.

Karnataka department of IT, BT and S&T principal secretary MN Vidyashankar said that IBAB’s efforts to help create the human resources through teaching, training, research and entrepreneurship are bearing the fruits, going by the developments so far.

Ganit is among the 7 New Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies labs in the country. There is currently a team of 10 who are also working on sequencing tongue cancer and discovering the novel genetic changes in Indian oral cancer population among other research initiatives. “Further, it is also working to attract and equip young researchers with the New Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies,” stated Prof. N Yathindra, director, IBAB.