South Indian Endogamy Linked to High Inbreeding and Genetic Disease Risk: Study Reveals 60% Inbreeding Rate

A recent genetic study reveals a 60% inbreeding rate among South Indian populations due to endogamy, raising concerns about the increased risk of genetic disorders. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, highlights the connection between this practice and population-specific diseases. The study, published in the Journal of Genetics and Genomics, analyzed 281 whole exome sequences from four anthropologically distinct populations. Researchers examined inbreeding levels, novel genetic variants, and pharmacogenomic markers. Notably, the Reddy community in Andhra Pradesh shows a high incidence of ankylosing spondylitis, linked to the 'HLA-B27:04' genetic variant and a founder effect. The study also found disease-causing genetic variants unique to specific populations and novel genetic variants affecting drug metabolism. This research emphasizes the need for genetic screening, counseling, and tailored medical care for vulnerable communities, paving the way for personalized medicine and improved diagnostic strategies.