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.

Ras Genes and Cancer

Gene Knockout versus Knockdown

Genetic Inheritance

What is SATI Gene Editing?

Genes that Control Pluripotency

Horizontal Gene Transfer and Antibiotic Resistance

Tumor Suppressor Genes

What are Homeobox Genes?

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Gene Knockin

Functions of BRCA1/2 Gene Products

See more featured articles »

Gene History

What are Homeobox Genes?

Conditional Gene Knockout Techniques

The Latest Advances in Cell and Gene Therapy

Gene Editing Techniques: ZFNs, TALENs or CRISPR?

Genetics and Gene Expression

Latest Gene News and Research

Study identifies Piezo channels as targets for orthodontic care

A new review in Genes & Diseases highlights Piezo channels as important biological links between mechanical forces and the cellular processes that shape the face, move teeth and influence oral health.

12 Oct 2026

Long non-coding RNAs offer new pathways to overcome cancer treatment resistance

Scientists are highlighting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as promising targets in the effort to overcome one of cancer treatment's most persistent challenges: therapeutic resistance.

12 Oct 2026

RNA modification enzyme FTO shows therapeutic promise in gastrointestinal cancers

A new review in Genes & Diseases highlights FTO, an enzyme involved in RNA modification, as a potentially important biomarker and therapeutic target across gastrointestinal cancers.

12 Oct 2026

Review highlights EP4 receptor as target for inflammatory diseases

A review published in Genes & Diseases highlights the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 4 (EP4) as an important regulator of inflammation and a promising therapeutic target for a wide range of inflammatory and inflammation-related diseases.

12 Oct 2026

Targeting mitochondrial vulnerabilities could help treat triple-negative breast cancer

A deeper understanding of mitochondrial function could create new opportunities for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer.

12 Oct 2026

Targeting lipophagy could help treat metabolic and oxidative stress-related diseases

A review published in Genes & Diseases highlights lipophagy, the cellular process that selectively breaks down lipid droplets, as a potentially important therapeutic target for conditions driven by disrupted lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.

12 Oct 2026

New review highlights expanding potential of therapeutic DNA vaccines

A new review published in Genes & Diseases highlights the expanding potential of DNA-based vaccines as a flexible platform for preventing infectious diseases, treating cancer and strengthening preparedness for future disease outbreaks.

12 Oct 2026

Vascular anatomy influences experimental stroke treatment effectiveness

A preclinical study from Duke University researchers suggests that the effectiveness of an experimental approach to limiting stroke-related brain injury may depend not only on the drug itself, but also on the brain's collateral circulation: the network of small "backup" blood vessels that can help sustain tissue when a major artery is blocked.

12 Oct 2026

Three-dimensional genome structure shapes complex traits in cephalopods

Octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, collectively known as coleoid cephalopods, have evolved exceptionally large and elaborately structured nervous systems capable of complex behaviours such as problem-solving and rapid camouflage.

12 Oct 2026

Study reveals how different plant saponins alleviate ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 85% of all strokes and remains a major cause of death and long-term disability.

12 Oct 2026

New research links water source type to antibiotic resistance

Aquatic environments are recognized as reservoirs and pathways for antimicrobial resistance, receiving antibiotic residues and resistant microorganisms from sewage, livestock farming, and aquaculture.

12 Oct 2026

Scientists identify the neuroblastoma cells that signal poor outcomes

Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor found outside of the brain in children, yet why some children respond well to treatment while others do not has remained poorly understood.

10 Oct 2026

New project aims to test a protein-based therapy for Fragile X syndrome

A new research project at the University of California, Riverside, has received funding to investigate whether a novel protein-based therapy can correct abnormal brain activity associated with Fragile X syndrome.

9 Oct 2026

Study finds both the liver and brain drive distinct symptoms of rare genetic epilepsy

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that both the liver and brain contribute pathways to differing symptoms of the same rare inherited disorder.

9 Oct 2026

Nasal immune adjuvant protects mice against respiratory viruses for months

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the challenges of protecting populations when a new respiratory virus emerges.

9 Oct 2026

Molecular regulator CA8 may offer new therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes

Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels involves striking a balance between the glucose produced by the liver during fasting, and the insulin released from pancreatic beta cells after meals.

9 Oct 2026

New signaling pathway enhances blood stem cell transplantation outcomes

Gene therapies are used to treat many different blood disorders. However, blood stem cells often fail to achieve their full potential after transplantation.

9 Oct 2026

Study explains why autism is more common in boys

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children's Hospital and collaborating institutions have identified new genetic candidates that help explain why autism is diagnosed about four times more often in boys than in girls.

9 Oct 2026

New research unveils role of innate immune system in pancreatic cancer

Researchers from Adelaide University have demonstrated that blocking a specific immune system gene can reduce pancreatic cancer tumor formation.

9 Oct 2026

Gut bacteria may help explain why endometriosis pain varies

A study of 50 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis found that differences in gut bacterial composition were associated with menstrual pain, urinary symptoms, and infertility.

9 Oct 2026