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.

Gene History

Gene Concepts

AI-powered model improves prediction of bladder cancer treatment outcomes

Leveraging the power of AI and machine learning technologies, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a more effective model for predicting how patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer will respond to chemotherapy.

28 Mar 2025

New peptide antibiotic stops bacteria by binding where no drug has before

Researchers discovered lariocidin, a lasso peptide antibiotic that kills multidrug-resistant bacteria by binding a novel ribosomal site.

27 Mar 2025

Gasdermin D found to play a crucial role in heart arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common form of heart arrhythmia, a serious condition in which the heart beats so fast that its upper chambers, the atria, quiver. This irregular heartbeat can increase the risk of severe conditions, including heart failure, dementia and stroke.

27 Mar 2025

Transforming genetic deafness treatment with base editing

Congenital hearing loss refers to impaired auditory function that occurs due to genetic causes. GJB2 is the gene responsible for approximately half of all cases of hereditary hearing loss.

27 Mar 2025

Cell's stress response is more nuanced and compartmentalized than previously thought

The body's cells respond to stress-toxins, mutations, starvation or other assaults-by pausing normal functions to focus on conserving energy, repairing damaged components and boosting defenses.

26 Mar 2025

Study uncovers protective mechanism of BRCA2 in cancer treatment

Mutations in BRCA2 — a gene known to repair damaged DNA and suppress tumor formation — can predict an individuals' predisposition to develop breast cancer, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and other epithelial tumors.

26 Mar 2025

Researchers develop a reverse genetics system for African swine fever virus

Researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) have developed a reverse genetics system for African swine fever virus (ASFV).

26 Mar 2025

Scientists uncover rare gene variants that help people live past 100

Researchers studying over 2,000 Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians uncovered two rare IGF-1 gene variants linked to exceptional longevity. These variants reduce IGF-1 receptor activity through either diminished receptor binding or lower circulating IGF-1 levels.

26 Mar 2025

Discovery provides crucial molecular targets for future obesity treatments

The pleasure we get from eating junk food - the dopamine rush from crunching down on salty, greasy French fries and a luscious burger - is often blamed as the cause of overeating and rising obesity rates in our society.

26 Mar 2025

Researchers identify key gene linked to heroin addiction

Opioid use disorder is associated with more than 350,000 deaths annually worldwide. Guided by the need for an increased understanding of critical neurobiological features of addiction, researchers have now found a unique molecular signature and genes in the orbitofrontal cortex associated with heroin-seeking behavior.

26 Mar 2025

Study shows red wine biomarkers in urine can predict inflammation levels

Researchers found that specific metabolites of resveratrol in urine accurately reflect red wine consumption. These biomarkers were linked to reduced inflammation in older adults at cardiovascular risk, unlike traditional food surveys.

25 Mar 2025

Epigenetic scores offer new insights into cardiometabolic disease prevention

A new study explores how epigenetic markers-chemical modifications that influence gene activity-can help predict the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and guide personalized prevention strategies.

25 Mar 2025

Study reveals distinct infection strategies of Zika and dengue viruses

Zika virus and dengue virus are very close relatives. Both are mosquito-borne flaviviruses, and both specialize in infecting a host's dendritic cells.

25 Mar 2025

New research sheds light on CDK7's role in cancer cell proliferation

For organs to develop, grow and regenerate, cells must proliferate. But when that process goes awry, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, cancer can emerge.

25 Mar 2025

Stanford study reveals glucose's surprising role in cell differentiation

The sugar glucose, which is the main source of energy in almost every living cell, has been revealed in a Stanford Medicine study to also be a master regulator of tissue differentiation - the process by which stem cells give rise to specialized cells that make up all the body's tissues.

25 Mar 2025