Gene

A gene is a unit of heredity in a living organism. It normally resides on a stretch of DNA that codes for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. All living things depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains.

What are Genes?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the chemical information database that carries the complete set of instructions for the cell as to the nature of the proteins produced by it, its life span, maturity, function and death. Genes are the working subunits of DNA. Each gene contains a particular set of instructions, usually coding for a particular protein or for a particular function.

What are Homeobox Genes?

Genetics and Gene Expression

What are Homeobox Genes?

Gene Knockout versus Knockdown

Gene Editing Techniques: ZFNs, TALENs or CRISPR?

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Gene History

What is SATI Gene Editing?

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Ras Genes and Cancer

Genes that Control Pluripotency

See more featured articles »

Functions of BRCA1/2 Gene Products

Genetic Inheritance

Gene Knockin

The Latest Advances in Cell and Gene Therapy

Horizontal Gene Transfer and Antibiotic Resistance

Conditional Gene Knockout Techniques

Latest Gene News and Research

Runx1 overexpression triggers early intervertebral disc degeneration

A new research paper was published in Volume 17, Issue 9 of Aging-US on September 8, 2025, titled, "Runx1 overexpression induces early onset of intervertebral disc degeneration."

17 Oct 2025

Restoring pleiotrophin shows promise for improving brain function in Down syndrome

Faulty brain circuits seen in Down syndrome may be caused by the lack of a particular molecule essential for the development and function of the nervous system, new research suggests.

17 Oct 2025

New insights reveal persistent genome structure during cell division

Before cells can divide, they first need to replicate all of their chromosomes, so that each of the daughter cells can receive a full set of genetic material.

17 Oct 2025

AI predicts cell responses to drugs and genetic changes

Controlling the state of a cell in a desired direction is one of the central challenges in life sciences, including drug development, cancer treatment, and regenerative medicine.

16 Oct 2025

Cancer hijacks embryonic gene editors to fuel growth

Cancer cells are known to reawaken embryonic genes to grow. A new study reveals the disease also hijacks the proteins, or "editors", that control how those genes are read.

16 Oct 2025

Researchers discover new genetic cause of hereditary optic atrophy

A research team from the Medical University of Vienna and the Medical University of Graz has discovered a previously unknown genetic cause of hereditary optic atrophy, a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with gradual loss of vision.

16 Oct 2025

Advanced MRI technique reveals early markers of hereditary frontotemporal dementia

An international study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden demonstrates that it is possible to detect subtle changes in the brain and identify early signs of hereditary frontotemporal dementia using advanced brain imaging techniques.

16 Oct 2025

Researchers uncover TRAT1's central role in T helper cell function

Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have taken a closer look at a previously largely unknown component of the immune system: the protein molecule TRAT1 (T Cell Receptor Associated Transmembrane Adaptor 1) plays a central role in how so-called T helper cells (a specialised subgroup of immune cells) distinguish between attack and self-control - an important mechanism for restraining inflammation and preventing autoimmune diseases. The findings have recently been published in the journal Cell Communication and Signaling.

16 Oct 2025

New European trial tests subcutaneous EEG technology for people with epilepsy

A new clinical trial co-led by researchers at FutureNeuro and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is investigating how advanced brain monitoring could improve the diagnosis and management of epilepsy.

16 Oct 2025

Longevity gene offers hope for children with progeria

A new breakthrough in a rare genetic disease which causes children to age rapidly has been discovered using 'longevity genes' found in people who live exceptionally long lives - over 100 years old.

15 Oct 2025

Low-dose steroids show promise for treating severe kidney inflammation

Will it be possible to treat severe kidney inflammation with fewer drugs in the future? A new study by the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the University of Hamburg gives cause for hope.

15 Oct 2025

CRISPR therapy shows promise against influenza in human lung chips

The Influenza A virus (IAV) has been the cause of six major flu pandemics, responsible for 50 to 100 million deaths globally.

15 Oct 2025

Experimental gene therapy restores immune system function in children with genetic immune disorder

An experimental gene therapy developed by researchers at UCLA, University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital has restored and maintained immune system function in 59 of 62 children born with ADA-SCID, a rare and deadly genetic immune disorder.

15 Oct 2025

Gene therapy shows long-term success in children with rare immune disorder

Results from the largest cohort of children who received a gene therapy for a rare immunodeficiency condition have shown the long-term safety and efficacy of the curative treatment, in a study led by a UCL researcher.

15 Oct 2025

Discovery explains why women face higher risk of Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis

New research by UCLA Health has identified a sex-chromosome linked gene that drives inflammation in the female brain, offering insight into why women are disproportionately affected by conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis as well as offering a potential target for intervention.

15 Oct 2025

Ancient lead exposure may have shaped human evolution and language

A groundbreaking international study changes the view that exposure to the toxic metal lead is largely a post-industrial phenomenon.

15 Oct 2025

Targeting bacterial communication may offer antibiotic-free wound therapy

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus - one of the most common causes of skin and soft tissue infections worldwide - delays wound healing.

15 Oct 2025