On July 31, 2025, researchers at the Salk Institute unveiled ShortStop, an innovative AI tool designed to explore the often-overlooked regions of the human genome for microproteins. Microproteins, generally fewer than 150 amino acids, have been neglected within the 99% of DNA once dismissed as “junk.” ShortStop employs machine learning to identify functional and nonfunctional small open reading frames (smORFs) that code for these elusive proteins, making it easier to find biologically relevant candidates. Initial tests on lung cancer datasets yielded 210 new microprotein candidates, including a promising candidate validated in tumor tissue. By efficiently sorting through existing genetic data, ShortStop accelerates the discovery process, holding potential for advancements in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. This approach revolutionizes genome exploration, spotlighting the dark regions of DNA that may play critical roles in health and disease. For more insights, refer to BMC Methods published on July 31, 2025.
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