Scientists at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have created the world’s most comprehensive Human Pigmentation Database (HPDB), compiling genetic information related to human skin, hair, and eye color. This database, developed by the Center for Genetic Disorders at BHU’s Institute of Science, combines data from 663 peer-reviewed research papers into one digital platform to simplify study and research of pigmentation genetics.
About the Human Pigmentation Database
The HPDB includes detailed information on 5,146 genetic variants and 111 pigmentation-related disorders, such as albinism and vitiligo. Previously, this information was scattered across hundreds of scientific articles. With this database, researchers, doctors and scientists no longer need to sift through numerous papers to find required genetic data.
Accessibility and Features
The database is openly accessible worldwide without any registration or fees. It provides both simple and advanced search options, allowing queries by gene name, rsID, population, research paper references, and chromosomal location. This feature makes it a valuable tool for dermatologists, genetics researchers, medical scientists and students.
NAAC A
NIRF #6 (2025)Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1916 · 1300 acresView details
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NIRF #10 (2025)Aligarh Muslim UniversityAligarh, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, NET/JRF, NEET UGEst. 1920View details
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NIRF #37 (2025)Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar UniversityLucknow, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1996View details
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Central UniversityAllahabad UniversityPrayagraj, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1887View details
Central UniversityRajiv Gandhi National Aviation UniversityRaebareli, Uttar PradeshAdmission: Own Entrance, JEE Main, CATEst. 2013View details
Central UniversityRani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural UniversityJhansi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, ICAR AIEEA, NET/JRFEst. 2014View detailsSignificance and Impact
Leading the research, Dr. Chandana Basu stated that scientific knowledge should be open, accessible, and shared universally. HPDB embodies this philosophy and is expected to open new avenues for understanding human diversity, development, and health.
Dr. V. S. Sundararajan highlighted that the database is fully open access and available through Bioclues.org, facilitating rapid access to specific gene or variant information through its search tools.
Professor Rajiv Raman, founding director of BHU’s Center for Genetic Disorders, described the initiative as a significant contribution to consolidating scientific knowledge on human pigmentation. He emphasized that such resources strengthen multidisciplinary and collaborative research in genetics.
