Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Introduces New GREmLN Model For Genetics

Alphafold, whose creators were awarded a Nobel Prize in science, stands as a landmark achievement—but it's merely the beginning of AI’s transformative role in medicine, especially within the field of genetics.

This month brings exciting news from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, supported by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, unveiling a cutting-edge system named GREmLN (Gene Regulatory Embedding-based Large Neural model), designed to decode cellular behavior.

The model holds promise for advancing cancer studies and tackling a range of other diseases.

A key component of the project includes innovative imaging methods, along with tools to support scientists in software development.

Additionally, CZ highlights a “single-cell dataset” encompassing 1 billion cells, created in collaboration with 10X Genomics and Ultima Genomics. According to available documentation, this means researchers compiled information from at least one billion individual cells to construct a comprehensive model representing the average cell’s structure and function.

Experts believe the GREmLN model could aid in pinpointing genetic factors behind illnesses and discovering novel strategies to return malfunctioning cells to a healthy state.

Four Key Objectives and Hurdles

In announcing this transformative resource, CZ representatives outlined four primary scientific goals:

The first is creating an AI-powered virtual cell—a task where GREmLN is expected to play a central role.

Second is the advancement of new imaging technologies capable of mapping, measuring, and modeling intricate biological systems—another area closely aligned with the initiative’s vision.

The teams also aim to develop methods for directly detecting inflammation within the body and to leverage the human immune system for various forms of immunotherapy.

Looking deeper, these ambitions reveal how GREmLN will support CZ’s exploration of what they call “molecular logic”—understanding how different cellular components interact and operate as a unified system.

What Are Biohubs?

The Chan Zuckerberg announcement also references the establishment of Biohubs—research laboratories designed to promote collaborative innovation, described by officials as “cross-disciplinary research institutions.”

According to ChatGPT, a Biohub is a collaborative science center focused on accelerating biomedical discoveries through interdisciplinary teamwork, shared infrastructure, and open innovation.

“Typically formed through alliances between universities, research bodies, healthcare systems, government entities, and tech leaders, Biohubs tackle complex health challenges by integrating knowledge across biology, medicine, engineering, computing, and data science,” the AI explains. “A notable example is the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, which connects researchers from Stanford, UCSF, and UC Berkeley to combat infectious diseases and expand biomedical understanding through open-access science.”

It also clarifies that the CZ Biohubs differ entirely from the WHO’s Biohubs.

“The WHO initiative is a separate effort focused on global sharing of biological samples, such as viruses with pandemic potential, among member countries. While both use the term ‘Biohub,’ their purposes, governance, and organizational ties are completely unrelated.”

Still, the underlying idea is shared: scientists uniting across disciplines to push the boundaries of knowledge—particularly in areas like nuclear and mitochondrial DNA structure.

A quick dive into cell biology reveals key differences between types of DNA in a cell.

Most DNA resides in the nucleus, but mitochondria also contain their own genetic material, operating somewhat independently from the central genome.

Literature Offers Insight

Readers familiar with Madeleine L’Engle’s young adult fiction from the 1980s may recall her imaginative take on subcellular life and its influence on larger systems.

Just for curiosity, I asked ChatGPT about L’Engle’s influence on modern genetics and cell research.

“Madeleine L'Engle didn’t directly predict specific findings in genetics or mitochondrial biology,” it responded, “but her novels—especially A Wrinkle in Time (1962), A Wind in the Door (1973), and the rest of the Time Quintet—anticipated broad scientific and philosophical ideas about cellular function, mitochondrial health, interconnectedness, and cosmic balance. In A Wind in the Door, she introduces ‘farandolae,’ fictional beings living inside mitochondria, whose well-being directly impacts both individual organisms and the universe. Her narrative embraced a holistic view of life, portraying mitochondria as vital powerhouses long before mainstream science widely recognized their role in aging, disease, and metabolism.”

How many readers recall the farandolae—a metaphor for symbiotic relationships, a concept more poetic than data-based in its time?

“As one user notes on Literature Stack Exchange,” ChatGPT continues, “‘The young farandolae cannot assume adult roles, so they live parasitically off the adult farae. And under the influence of the Echthroi, they actually enjoy this one-sided existence—taking without giving…’”

Ultimately, the AI concludes:

“While not scientifically prescriptive, L’Engle’s creative storytelling foreshadowed modern concepts in genetics and mitochondrial research—such as cellular cooperation, energy dynamics, systemic interdependence, and the profound link between microscopic biology and overall health.”

Pushing the Frontier Forward

It’s clear that these collaborative efforts empower scientists to take more proactive steps toward curing diseases.

I found this development worth highlighting during what’s shaping up to be a milestone year for artificial intelligence in healthcare. From diagnostics and workflow automation to foundational research supporting clinical advances, AI applications are rapidly expanding.

That’s a major win for technology. Yet, there’s still room for imaginative, even fictional, interpretations of biological systems—like those in L’Engle’s work—that emphasize wonder and interconnectedness over pure technical detail. What’s your take?

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