About Anu Acharya

Anu Acharya is the CEO of Mapmygenome, India’s pioneering personal genomics company with a vision to touch 100 million lives. From 2000 until April 2013, Ms Anu was the CEO and Co-Founder of Ocimum Biosolutions. Since co-founding Ocimum in 2000, she has led the company through three strategic international acquisitions, two capital raises for equity investments and launch of several innovative products, solutions and services through its proprietary platform called RaaS (Research as a Service). She is a recipient of many awards such as Young Global Leader of World Economic Forum Class of 2011; Young Leaders Forum of British High Commission 2013; Jio Economic Times Startup Awards - Women Ahead 2015 just to name a few. She serves on governing boards of NIBMG & IIIT Hyderabad; advisory Board at Flag A Spot, Action for India & KIIT; board of mentors for Ivy Cap Ventures; member of CII National Committee on Biotechnology.

August 12, 2019 By Anu Acharya 1 Comment

Nutrigenomics and You!

There are many people who feel that they are not able to achieve their health goals in spite of a conscientious diet and fitness routine. Even regular health checks do not seem to help. Is there any method to identify and bridge the gap? Nutrigenomics is the science that looks at the interaction between our diet and lifestyle habits and how they affect our DNA in terms of regulating genes responsible for metabolism, development, and overall wellness.

Why is it Important to Understand Nutrigenomics?

Common dietary elements can act on our DNA, either directly or indirectly, to alter gene expression or structure. For example, dietary fat/carbohydrate intake affects genetic activity, metabolism rates, adiposity and thereby, a likelihood of weight gain (obesity).
Sometimes, for some of us, diet can be a serious risk factor for many diseases. For example, carriers of MTHFR gene variants may have lower enzyme activity and hence a higher risk for developing folate deficiency. In such instances, a reduced intake of Vitamin B6-containing foods may trigger clinical manifestation — screening can help implement dietary changes to manage health better.
The impact of diet on the balance between healthy and diseased states depends on our DNA. For example, variation in the SOD2 gene can alter the the antioxidant activity and increase the risk for excessive oxidative damage. Individuals who carry such variants need to ensure richer portions of antioxidants in their diet. Exercise routines can be planned with adequate rest between heavy workouts for repair/recovery.
Some diet-regulated genes (and their common variants) can affect the onset, incidence, progression, and/or severity of chronic diseases.
Chronic diseases can be prevented, mitigated, or addressed through dietary intervention based on the knowledge of nutritional requirement, nutritional status, and genotype. For example, certain gene variants can increase the likelihood of developing gluten intolerance. Genetic screening can help identify such risk factors for dietary intervention if required. This can have a positive impact on health, overall wellness, as well as athletic performance.

What Can You Learn From Nutrigenomics?

Your power to absorb vital nutrients required for a healthy body and mind
The impact of nutrients on various organs and pathways
Nutritional factors that can protect your genome from damage
Impact of genes on your lifestyle, diet, fitness, habits, etc.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Test?

The answer is NOW! Nutrigenomics are once-in-a-lifetime tests that are noninvasive. From newborns to nonagenarians, anyone can take this test. Whether you are starting your wellness journey or a veteran health and fitness expert, these tests can help you get to know yourself better.

How Can You Use It To Improve Quality Of Life?

Nutrigenomics can be the game-changer that empowers you on your wellness journey or enables you to achieve your fitness goals. Here’s how it works:

Genetic tests are available online — you order one and receive the sample collection kit, along with a health history questionnaire.
Once you send the sample, your DNA is extracted and analyzed for several key markers associated with diet, fitness, well-being, disease risk, and more.
The genetic counselor correlates genetic findings with health history to offer personalized nutrition, fitness, and wellness advice.
Your nutritionists and personal trainers can also be part of the genetic counseling session in order to design diet plans and fitness routines that work for you.

Sharing her views on the importance of Nutrigenomics, Pooja Ramachandran, India’s pioneering genetic counselor says, “The need for personalizing nutrition was seen soon after the conclusion of the Human Genome Project and the ensuing impact of personalized medicine. Nutrigenomics is poised to be a powerful tool for nutritionists, dietitians, doctors as well as any healthcare professional in using nutrition therapy for the treatment of disease. More importantly, Nutrigenomics may facilitate the prevention of diet-related diseases, and help design individualized nutritional strategies based on anticipated adverse or beneficial impacts of specific food or nutrients for a particular individual.”

April 30, 2018 By Anu Acharya 1 Comment

Genomics for Better Health

genomics

The healthcare landscape in India is undergoing a paradigm shift, from symptomatic treatment to a consumer-leadership model, thanks to mobile apps, digitization of electronic health records, and wearable technologies. GOQii allows users to take charge of their health with proactive tools. As the genomics partner to this health ecosystem, Mapmygenome offers solutions that are personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory. We help our customers understand their health risks early and make informed choices for mitigation. They go on to build healthy habits and to achieve their health goals.

Genomics 101

The first question that comes to the mind is – What is this technology and how does it work? Genomics is the analysis of your genome, your unique DNA sequence that governs your health, habits, metabolism, physiology and psyche. Advances in technology have made it possible to read the whole or parts of individual’s DNA sequence. Experts analyze your DNA for variants at specific locations that can affect health and wellbeing. This information can be used to predict your risk for a particular disease, to diagnose a condition, to optimize treatment, or to move to a healthy lifestyle!

Understand Risks with Personal Genomics

With a simple swab of saliva, a personal genomics test can give you a complete profile of your genetic predisposition to health and lifestyle. While the genetic component does not change, factors such as environment, habits, and lifestyle can be modified to mitigate any genetic risks. Many people opt for comprehensive genomics service such as Genomepatri, which predicts individual’s genetic risk for 100+ health conditions, physiological traits, lifestyle, beauty and response to drugs. There are also tests like the BRCA gene test that Angelina Jolie took to understand her genetic risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, which enabled her to make life-changing informed choices to prevent that risk from manifesting.

Weight Loss Genetics – A Case For Personal Genomics

Cutting down calories and physical activity are just two aspects of a successful weight loss program. There are other aspects – lean vs. fat mass, appetite and satiety levels, food interactions within your system, and genetic makeup have an impact on weight loss. Our genes have a significant role in functions such as fat tissue metabolism, excess fat storage, transport, brain signalling, and energy conversion. Individuals with certain variants of a specific gene have to work harder to burn calories than their luckier friends. Some people have a tendency to regain weight more easily. Nutritionists often recommend test such as Genomepatri Fit in order to recommend the most suitable diet and exercise plan for weight loss. They work in tandem with genetic counsellors.

Genetic Counselling to Know Yourself

It is not easy for a layman to predict hereditary risk for a particular condition or to interpret findings from a genetic report. Genetic counsellors help you understand your health history and family history, and guide you in making informed choices towards better health. They explain your genetic report, correlate this information with your health history, and formulate a preventive action plan that works for you.

Overcoming Fear

It is said that answers can be found by one who seeks, but there are many who are scared to find out what their genes say. While this is a personal choice, one should remember that screening and predictive testing can actually enable prevention and early treatment at much lower costs – financial and emotional. A session with a genetic counsellor can be a good starting point.