Will 2026 Be the Year AI Decodes the Genome’s Regulatory Code?
Genomics is—of course—about far more than sequencing the genome, and Codex consultants reflect the full depth and breadth of the field. While some are experts in areas like spatial biology or single cell, others—like Tuuli Lappalainen—are interested in functional genetic variation in humans and how it shapes traits and disease risk.
That focus is represented in her prediction for 2026. When asked what she will be watching for over this coming year, Tuuli responded:
“The vast majority of genetic risk for complex disease is explained by variants in the noncoding parts of the genome. In silico inference of their molecular effects is one of the holy grails of human genetics and genomics, limited by our ability to read the regulatory code of the genome. Much hope and hype has been placed on machine learning and AI tools to predict gene regulatory effects of genetic variants, and I believe that real breakthroughs are around the corner. We’ll see if 2026 is the year when we really take a major step forward!”
At the end of the year, we’ll ask Tuuli to reflect on how significant a role AI played in this area. For now, stay tuned to Codex—through our blog and newsletter—for more expert perspectives and analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter for more perspectives, analysis, and posts diving deeper into the ideas shaping the field.