State PCS - Punjab (PPSC)

• 31 Jan 2026

Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome AI Tool

Why in News? 

Google DeepMind has launched AlphaGenome, an artificial intelligence tool designed to predict how genetic mutations influence gene regulation and contribute to human diseases. 

Key Points 

• Objective: The AI tool developed by Google DeepMind is used to analyse long DNA sequences and predict the biological impact of genetic variations. 
  • Primarily targets non-coding (regulatory) DNA regions, which constitute about 98% of the human genome and play a key role in gene regulation. 
• DNA Analysis Capacity: Capable of analysing up to one million DNA base pairs simultaneously, allowing assessment of long-range genetic regulatory effects. 
  • Predicts effects of mutations on gene expression, RNA splicing, chromatin accessibility, and regulatory activity. 
  • Helps to identify genetic drivers of complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and neurological conditions. 
• Training Data: Trained on large-scale public genomic datasets from humans and mice to identify patterns linking DNA sequences with biological outcomes. 
  • Acts as a virtual laboratory, enabling scientists to test genetic hypotheses before conducting costly and time-consuming biological experiments. 
• Availability: Released for non-commercial research use through an Application Programming Interface (API) to support global scientific collaboration. 
• Limitations: Not approved for clinical diagnosis or personalised medical treatment; predictions depend on quality and diversity of training data. 

Read More: Artificial intelligence, Genetic variations, DNA , RNA