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

Genes that Control Pluripotency

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Conditional Gene Knockout Techniques

The Latest Advances in Cell and Gene Therapy

What are Homeobox Genes?

Gene Editing Techniques: ZFNs, TALENs or CRISPR?

Ras Genes and Cancer

Horizontal Gene Transfer and Antibiotic Resistance

Genetics and Gene Expression

Gene Knockout versus Knockdown

See more featured articles »

Gene History

Functions of BRCA1/2 Gene Products

What are Homeobox Genes?

Gene Knockin

What is SATI Gene Editing?

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Latest Gene News and Research

Novel technology maps single-cell DNA-protein interactions

A new technology allows scientists to map, in single cells, the DNA binding sites of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins that control gene activity, according to a study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Genome Center.

4 Jun 2026

AI detects early warning signs of epilepsy without visible seizures

Epilepsy isn't always easy to diagnose. Seizures often don't occur during routine brain-wave recordings (EEGs), leaving doctors without the direct observation they need to make a clear diagnosis.

4 Jun 2026

Study reveals how breast cancer cells hide in the bone marrow

Treating breast cancer remains a major medical challenge worldwide. This is largely due to the ability of breast cancer cells to remain hidden for years before triggering a relapse, which can occur even decades after successful treatment of the primary tumor.

4 Jun 2026

Vaping devices and flavors affect genes differently

Vaping exposure affects gene activity in the mouth, with variations linked to device type and flavor, suggesting unique molecular responses compared to smoking.

4 Jun 2026

Researchers discover a biological barrier that limits mucosal vaccine immunity

A consistent biological barrier that stops the immune system from making the antibodies most needed to protect the nose and throat from respiratory viruses has been identified.

4 Jun 2026

Higher genetic pulse pressure risk associated with dementia-related mortality

When looking at genetic variants in a person's DNA that predispose them to disease, a new study has found having a higher number of genetic variants for increased pulse pressure is associated with a small, increased risk of dementia as a contributing cause of death.

3 Jun 2026

Light-activated proteins demonstrate quantum sensing and radio wave control

Until now, quantum sensing has primarily been known from solid-state materials such as diamonds with deliberately introduced tiny defects.

3 Jun 2026

Scientists launch project to improve early autism diagnosis in preemies

An international team of researchers from Europe and Australia will contribute to MICRO-NEST, a €6 million Horizon Europe project applying innovative approaches to identify markers of autism in children born before 37 weeks of gestation.

3 Jun 2026

Study shows how TAF1 regulates ferroptosis in cancer cells

Ferroptosis has become a promising area in cancer research because it may provide a way to target tumor cells that evade other better-known forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis and necroptosis.

3 Jun 2026

Researchers unravel the mechanism behind precise timing of master biological clock

Imagine a train parked at the station. Passengers climb aboard and find their seats. Conductors move up and down the aisles, checking tickets.

3 Jun 2026

Study uncovers genetic trade-off between youth and longevity

A new study identifies vgll3 as a key gene that promotes rapid growth and early reproduction while increasing the risk of aging and cancer later in life.

3 Jun 2026

Genetically-modified hookworms successfully deliver medicine to animal hosts

Hookworms, intestinal parasites that infect hundreds of millions of people in under-resourced tropical regions around the globe, have evolved to survive inside the human gut for years, secreting molecules that enable co-existence with their hosts.

3 Jun 2026

Cross-reactive T cells target measles and dangerous Nipah viruses

T cells are some of the immune system's most important warriors. They can stop tumor growth and even fight off severe infections.

2 Jun 2026

Stem cell transplantation is the most cost-effective sickle cell treatment

Stem cell transplantation is the most cost-effective option for long-term care of sickle cell disease in adults when compared with gene therapy and standard of care treatment, according to new research published in Blood.

2 Jun 2026

How dysregulated collagen IV homeostasis causes cerebral microbleeds

Millions of older adults have tiny brain hemorrhages called cerebral microbleeds, which are strongly associated with dementia, cognitive decline, and stroke.

2 Jun 2026

New ultrasound pacemaker design promises minimal recovery time for cardiac patients

MIT engineers have developed a noninvasive pacemaker that stimulates the heart using ultrasound. The design could one day provide a surgery-free alternative to traditional cardiac implants.

2 Jun 2026

Cellular reprogramming helps outsmart progressive Alzheimers disease

A team led by researcher José Vicente Sánchez Mut at the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), together with researcher Johannes Gräff at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), has identified an experimental molecule capable of "reprogramming" the brain's immune cells to restore part of their protective function against Alzheimer's disease.

2 Jun 2026

New blood test tracks real time gene expression inside living brain tissue

Cell function is determined by how DNA is expressed into proteins. That process includes two main steps - transcription, when messenger RNA (mRNA) makes copies of active genes, and translation, when mRNA guides protein assembly.

2 Jun 2026

E-cigarette flavors and device type drive the biological effects of vaping

People who vape regularly show altered activity in 3,124 genes across the genome compared with people who do not smoke or vape.

1 Jun 2026

Pediatric experts reveal the 10 research areas set to shape child health

Pediatric research leaders identified 10 high-promise areas likely to shape child health over the next 5 to 10 years, including genomics, mental health, vaccines, artificial intelligence, perinatal medicine, precision therapeutics, health equity, nutrition, environmental health, and cancer treatment. The paper argues that these opportunities will only translate into better outcomes if pediatric research receives sustained funding, public trust, workforce support, advocacy, and equitable implementation.

1 Jun 2026