The Evolution of Genome Annotation Tools in Bioinformatics

Abstract

Genome annotation is a critical step in understanding the functional elements within a genome and how they contribute to biological processes. Over the past few decades, bioinformatics tools for genome annotation have evolved significantly, improving accuracy, scalability, and efficiency. This article reviews the history and evolution of genome annotation tools, from early approaches to the development of modern algorithms that integrate multi-omics data. We explore key milestones, such as the advent of genome browsers, gene prediction algorithms, and the integration of functional genomics data. We also discuss the challenges and future trends in genome annotation, highlighting the role of AI and machine learning in further enhancing annotation accuracy.