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.

Genetic Inheritance

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Ras Genes and Cancer

Horizontal Gene Transfer and Antibiotic Resistance

Genetics and Gene Expression

Genes that Control Pluripotency

What is SATI Gene Editing?

Gene Knockout versus Knockdown

Gene Knockin

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Gene Editing Techniques: ZFNs, TALENs or CRISPR?

See more featured articles »

Gene History

What are Homeobox Genes?

The Latest Advances in Cell and Gene Therapy

Conditional Gene Knockout Techniques

Functions of BRCA1/2 Gene Products

Latest Gene News and Research

MGI Tech partners with Parque Científico de Madrid to expand access to Stereo-seq in Spain

PCM's new STOmics certification enables cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics, fostering collaboration in genomics and enhancing research capabilities in Spain.

From MGI 4 Nov 2026

Genetic family mapping uncovers hidden links across ALS and FTD

Researchers at the Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic have helped accelerate the search for disease-causing genes by building new genetic 'families'.

3 Nov 2026

Study reveals potential link between limited cold stress during pregnancy and birth weight

Research out of South Dakota State University has highlighted a potential connection between limited exposure to cold stress during pregnancy and birth weight.

3 Nov 2026

Synthetic DNA molecules enable precise targeting of cancer-linked genes

Researchers have developed a promising new approach that uses synthetic DNA molecules to target cancer-linked genes directly, opening new possibilities for future treatments, diagnostics and biological research.

3 Nov 2026

Study reveals how breast milk sugar may help protect infants against jaundice

A new study by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine sheds light on the role of breast milk in supporting intestinal development and preventing hyperbilirubinemia, a condition in which bilirubin, a waste product from broken-down red blood cells, builds up in the blood and causes yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice.

3 Nov 2026

Compounds that give citrus fruits their scent may affect gut health

A review published in Food & Function found that dietary terpenoids, naturally occurring compounds in fruits, herbs, and vegetables, can suppress inflammatory signalling and improve intestinal barrier function in laboratory and animal studies. However, human evidence remains limited to two small studies of geraniol-based interventions for irritable bowel syndrome, with further research needed to establish clinical efficacy, appropriate dosing, and long-term safety.

3 Nov 2026

Blueberries reduced blood vessel inflammation in mice, but only with gut microbes present

A preclinical study found that gut microbes help convert blueberry phytochemicals into circulating metabolites, including hippuric acid, that are associated with reduced vascular inflammation. In mice fed a high-fat diet, blueberry supplementation reduced inflammatory markers and monocyte adhesion to blood vessels, but these benefits disappeared following antibiotic-mediated gut microbial depletion.

3 Nov 2026

Vanderbilt researchers create massive transcriptomic atlas of breast cancer

A new molecular map of breast cancer has identified novel forms of the disease and provides a foundation for selecting personalized treatments guided by a tumor's molecular characteristics rather than standard pathology alone.

3 Nov 2026

Spaceflight research opens new avenues for studying rare pediatric diseases

Earth-based hiPSC models have transformed disease research but remain limited by cellular immaturity, a strong reliance on glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and incomplete tissue architecture.

3 Nov 2026

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights key role of clinical research in advancing men's cancer care

Every November, millions worldwide grow mustaches and join Movember, a global movement launched in 2003 to spark conversations about men's health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

3 Nov 2026

RNA-protein interactions reveal new coronavirus drug targets

A study led by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Medicine has identified new targets for antiviral drugs against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

3 Nov 2026

Plant-derived compound helps restore cancer cells' sensitivity to treatment

A natural plant compound may help overcome a built-in defense that allows many cancers to resist a class of drugs designed to restore normal gene activity, according to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

2 Nov 2026

Gene therapy successfully corrects genetic defect in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

In a landmark achievement in the field of genetic medicine, researchers have reported the very first published case in a peer-reviewed journal of a successful clinical treatment of a patient with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (PiZZ) using in vivo gene therapy.

2 Nov 2026

Scientists may have underestimated how much genes contribute to Alzheimer's risk

A large multi-ancestry genetic analysis identified 127 genomic loci associated with Alzheimer's disease, including 48 previously unreported loci, and implicated microglial and neuronal gene-expression patterns in disease susceptibility. The researchers estimated that common genetic variants account for 16% of Alzheimer's disease liability in European-ancestry populations, substantially higher than previous estimates, while demonstrating improved polygenic risk prediction that remained less reliable in non-European populations.

2 Nov 2026

Study uncovers why pulmonary hypertension patients report symptoms of cognitive decline

University of Pittsburgh and UPMC researcher-clinicians have uncovered why many pulmonary hypertension patients report symptoms of cognitive decline.

2 Nov 2026

New computational tool simulates evolution of jumping genes

A genome contains all of the DNA of every living organism, but its contents don't stop there – most of these structures also contain snippets of DNA that can copy and paste themselves to "infect" a genome, expanding its size.

2 Nov 2026

Study identifies new targets for antiviral drugs against coronaviruses

2 Nov 2026

New strategy exploits a hidden genetic vulnerability in multiple cancers

Researchers have found a surprisingly common vulnerability in a broad variety of cancers and have begun designing drug compounds to exploit it, in a study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine.

2 Nov 2026

African nations seek decision-making power over gene-drive malaria tools

Gene-drive technology, which could stop mosquitoes spreading malaria, is so far confined to laboratories. But as researchers work towards possible field trials in Africa, questions emerge about who will decide how the technology is tested, governed and used.

2 Nov 2026

From simple ovulation treatments to IVF, how doctors choose the right approach

A clinical review on female infertility discusses causes, IVF options, and complications, equipping clinicians to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

2 Nov 2026