India boasts of an extraordinary array of microbial diversity, with millions of microbial species yet to be discovered. To harness this vast potential, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have initiated the ‘One Day One Genome’ (ODOG) mission. This innovative project is dedicated to showcasing and leveraging India’s microbial wealth by releasing a fully annotated bacterial genome every day.
WHY ‘ONE DAY ONE GENOME’ MATTERS IN INDIA
Microorganisms are essential to every aspect of our ecosystem—they drive biogeochemical cycles, shape soil formation, and significantly impact human health and agriculture. Given India’s abundant flora and fauna, it is only natural that our country also harbours a rich spectrum of microbes.
Over the past several years, Indian scientists have compiled genomic data from a variety of indigenous microbial strains. However, much of this data remains underutilised. The mission aims to change that by making this valuable genomic information readily available to researchers, students, and the general public.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Highlighting Unique Bacterial Species: Emphasising the distinct microbial life found across India and underscoring their critical roles in environmental sustainability, agriculture, and human health.
Simplifying Complex Data: Transforming intricate microbial genomic information into accessible, understandable formats for a broader audience.
Inspiring Future Generations: Sparking curiosity and excitement among young minds—especially school students—about the immense potential of microbial genomics, thereby encouraging more young people to pursue scientific endeavours.
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth: By tapping into India’s microbial diversity, the mission seeks to foster breakthroughs in research and create new job opportunities in emerging biotechnology sectors.
UNVEILING THE POTENTIAL OF MICROBIAL GENOMICS
India is endowed with a remarkably diverse pool of bioresources spread across its vast landscape. Researchers from iBRIC institutes are diligently working to decipher the complexities of bacterial genomes derived from myriad sources. These range from the saline waters of Lonar Lake in Maharashtra and endemic herbs in Northeast India to more unexpected sources like snake scat and the udder of Indian cows. The genomic insights gained from these bacteria can have far-reaching applications in sustainable research and development, and they provide a foundation for further genomic studies supported by DBT.
WHAT DO MICROBES OFFER?
Despite their critical importance, the majority of microbial potential remains unexplored. A National Science Foundation publication estimates that the Earth could host around one trillion microbial species, with 99.999% yet to be discovered. Due to their ubiquity and resilience in extreme conditions, these microbes present endless opportunities for advancing our understanding of ecosystems and driving innovative research.
Microorganisms are pivotal for maintaining the balance of our planet—they participate in all major biogeochemical cycles, aid in soil formation, purify minerals, and decompose organic waste and toxic pollutants. In agriculture, they contribute to nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, soil fertility, pest and weed control, and help plants absorb nutrients and water. Within our bodies, microbes play indispensable roles in digestion, immunity, and even mental health.
While pathogenic microbes are often responsible for infectious diseases, non-pathogenic ones are crucial in defending against these infections. It is now well-established that the gut microbiome, for instance, influences numerous health outcomes. Consequently, scientists worldwide are exploring microbiome-based therapeutics as next-generation treatments. Furthermore, because microbes can thrive under extreme temperatures, pH levels, salt concentrations, and oxygen levels, they are excellent candidates for innovative research in space biotechnology—such as developing closed-loop ecosystems for sustained astronaut life and pioneering space biomanufacturing.
ADVANCING ONE HEALTH SOLUTIONS THROUGH GENOMICS
Embracing the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), the ‘One Day One Genome’ mission takes a significant step toward One Health solutions. Addressing the interdependencies between the environment and various life forms requires an integrated approach. Genomics offers powerful tools to tackle these interconnected challenges—a fact underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, where genomic insights were critical in developing effective vaccines. By identifying new bacterial strains and monitoring their unique traits and pathogenic variants, the mission will help shape national healthcare strategies, improve agricultural outcomes, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
HOW THE ‘ONE DAY ONE GENOME’ MISSION IS EXECUTED
Coordinated by BRIC-NIBMG in Kalyani, the mission brings together bacterial genomes from 13 BRIC institutions, along with two autonomous bodies—ICGEB New Delhi (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology) and RCB Faridabad (Regional Centre for Biotechnology). The methodology involves:
1. Bacterial Isolation:
Samples are collected from diverse sources including clinical (human and livestock), agricultural, and environmental settings, ensuring that only pure cultures are used for genomic analysis.
2. DNA Extraction and Sequencing:
The isolated bacteria undergo genomic DNA extraction followed by automated sequencing. Advanced high-performance computing is then used to analyse the extensive datasets generated.
3. Data Analysis via BHARAT Pipeline:
The sequenced data is processed using the indigenously developed BHARAT analysis pipeline. This facilitates the annotation of bacterial genomes, revealing potential enzymes, antimicrobial resistance traits, and bioactive compounds.
4. Public Data Sharing: All results are deposited in the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), a dedicated repository for storing, annotating, and sharing biological data. Daily releases of fully annotated bacterial genomes are showcased on the mission’s website (https://www.nibmg.ac.in/p/one-day-one-genome), supplemented by engaging social media posts and educational content.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF ODOG MISSION:
Harnessing India’s Microbial Diversity:
The mission brings attention to the unique bacterial species in India, underscoring their essential roles in agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability, and promoting sustainable development.
Demystifying Genomic Data:
By simplifying complex genomic data into accessible formats, the project makes vital scientific information available to researchers, students, and the public.
Promoting Research and Innovation:
The initiative aims to drive scientific breakthroughs and create new economic opportunities, catalysing growth in the biotechnology sector.
Empowering Young Minds: With a focus on education, the mission seeks to inspire school-going children and young students by showcasing the vast potential of microbial genomics, thereby nurturing future generations of scientists.
The ODOG mission is a pioneering endeavour that has the potential to catalyse transformative breakthroughs in health, agriculture, space biotechnology, and environmental management. By making microbial genomic data more accessible and comprehensible, this initiative not only unlocks the vast potential of India’s microbial diversity but also promotes research, innovation, and sustainable development.
Through a collaborative approach involving premier institutions, the mission paves the way for a future where genomic insights drive economic growth, improved healthcare, and a deeper understanding of our planet’s ecological balance.
In essence, the ODOG mission is a bold stride toward revealing the hidden treasures of Bharat’s microbial world—empowering researchers, inspiring young minds, and setting the stage for a sustainable and prosperous future.
*Source: Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
