University of Toronto professor Brendan Frey has used deep learning principles to create algorithms that look at the pattern of mutations in an individual’s DNA. The system then makes inferences about how the patterns affect the operation of different types of cells in the body.
His company, Deep Genomics, will use the predictive algorithms to “prioritize, classify and interpret genetic variants, based on how they change cellular processes. To link unknown variants to known variants, for any variant and any disease.” The technologies could be applied to precision medicine, genetic testing, diagnostics and therapeutics.