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Learning the language of life with AI
1Eric J. Topol is the founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute; executive vice president of Scripps Research; chair of the Department of Translational Medicine at Scripps Research; and the Gary and Mary West Endowed Chair of Innovative Medicine at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA..
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 30, 2025
Summary
Large language of life models (LLLMs) are revolutionizing biology by integrating multiomic data. These advanced AI models analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand structure, function, and evolution, accelerating life science discovery.
Area of Science:
- Life Sciences
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- The protein-folding problem was a 50-year challenge solved by AlphaFold 2 in 2021.
- The success of AlphaFold 2 preceded a surge in large language models (LLMs) within the life sciences.
- Recent advancements have led to hyper-accelerated development of foundation models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the emergence and capabilities of large language of life models (LLLMs).
- To explain how LLLMs are advancing the understanding of biological molecules and their interactions.
- To showcase the multiomic nature of LLLMs in contrast to multimodal models.
Main Methods:
- Development of foundation models pretrained on massive biological datasets.
- Training of models like Evo on extensive genomic data (e.g., 2.7 million phage and prokaryotic genomes).
- Utilizing AI to process and analyze diverse biological data types including DNA, RNA, and protein sequences.
Main Results:
- LLLMs can perform a wide range of tasks related to molecular biology.
- These models aid in understanding protein, RNA, DNA, and ligand structure, biology, evolution, and design.
- Evo model predicts variant impacts, gene essentiality, and generates new DNA sequences.
Conclusions:
- LLLMs represent a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence for the life sciences.
- These multiomic models offer unprecedented capabilities for biological research and discovery.
- The continued development of LLLMs promises to further accelerate breakthroughs in understanding life at the molecular level.
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