Get homologous genes/proteins across species
AI agents call get_homology to retrieve information from Ensembl MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves genomic homology information across species from the Ensembl database. It has no side effects, does not modify data, execute code, delete information, or commit financial obligations. It is a straightforward data lookup operation consistent with other read-category tools on this server (get_sequence, get_ontology_by_id, etc.).
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_homology' and description 'Get homologous genes/proteins across species' indicate a query/retrieval operation with no data modification. The verb 'get' and the passive object (retrieving existing homology data) confirm read-only functionality.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get homologous genes/proteins across species. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Ensembl MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Ensembl MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_homology: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Ensembl MCP Server. Nothing to install.
get_homology is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_homology rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_homology. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
get_homology is provided by the Ensembl MCP Server MCP server (munch-group/ensembl-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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