Anthropological Survey of India, UoH join hands to explore human gut microbial DNA

HYDERABAD: The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate human gut microbial DNA.

The MoU was signed by Dr Devesh Nigam, registrar of the University of Hyderabad and professor BV Sharma, director of the Anthropological Survey of India, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Prof BJ Rao, vice chancellor, senior professors Appa Rao Podile Anand Kondapi and Dean, School of Life Sciences, professor Samrat Sabat, director, R&D Cell and professor HA Nagarajaram, coordinator and PI, DBT-Centre for Microbial Informatics (DBT-CMI), School of Life Sciences.

This partnership marks a monumental step forward in advancing knowledge within the realm of human gut microbial DNA analysis. AnSI, with its illustrious seven-decade legacy in anthropological research, venturing into a groundbreaking national project titled ‘Gut Microbial Genomic Study among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India’, AnSI aims to unravel the intricacies of microbial genetics within these communities.

Conversely, the University of Hyderabad houses the DBT-Centre for Microbial Informatics (DBT-CMI), a leading Bioinformatics/Computational Biology Centre armed with state-of-the-art computational biology tools and expertise.

This synergistic partnership is poised to generate comprehensive profiles of population-specific gut microbiomes profile and probe into the repercussions of dietary variations and biomedical interventions on microbial diversity. By prioritising data sharing, training initiatives, and continual monitoring, this collaboration represents a significant leap forward in deepening our comprehension of human-environment relationships.

Furthermore, it holds profound implications for the health and well-being of the PVTGs of India, dispersed across diverse geographical landscapes nationwide.

The partnership between AnSI and the UoH emphasises a mutual commitment to advancing scientific understanding and promoting favourable outcomes for these communities (PVTGs).

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and employing cutting-edge research methodologies, this partnership endeavours to reveal transformative insights into human biology, health, and their interplay with the environment.