RESEARCH · RESEARCH · #2147
Quanta: genomic foundation models useful but limited by complex gene regulation
A Quanta Magazine feature argues that genomic “foundation models” such as Evo 2, Genos and DeepMind’s AlphaGenome—trained on large sequence datasets—can make useful predictions but face fundamental limits because the human genome’s regulatory architecture is highly complex and may not conform to straightforward input–output patterning.
KEY POINTS
- A Quanta Magazine feature argues that genomic “foundation models” such as Evo 2, Genos and DeepMind’s AlphaGenome—trained on large sequence datasets—can make useful predictions but face fundamental limits because the human genome’s regulatory architecture is highly complex and may not conform to straightforward input–output patterning.
- This matters because researchers and clinicians may overtrust black‑box genomic models when gene regulation complexity could limit their explanatory power and clinical reliability.
- Why AI Isn’t Ready to Tackle Our Convoluted Genomes
WHY IT MATTERS
This matters because researchers and clinicians may overtrust black‑box genomic models when gene regulation complexity could limit their explanatory power and clinical reliability.