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

Linker histones found to regulate DNA transcription in apple cells

A cell protein previously believed only to provide a scaffolding for DNA has also been shown to directly influence DNA transcription into RNA – the first step of the process by which an organism's genetic code expresses itself.

23 Dec 2024

Study uncovers how cancer builds molecular bridges to evade the immune system

"Build your enemy a golden bridge to retreat across" is a piece of advice offered by Sun Tzu in his ancient military treatise, The Art of War.

23 Dec 2024

Lithium shows promise as a potential therapy for autism spectrum disorder

A groundbreaking discovery has highlighted lithium-;a drug long used to treat bipolar disorder and depression-;as a potential therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

23 Dec 2024

New method detects human fecal contamination in water

The presence of human waste in sewage overflow or stormwater runoffs that ultimately find their way into rivers and lakes is a major public health hazard.

23 Dec 2024

New nanoparticle platform delivers drug pairs to specific cancer types

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new platform using polymeric nanoparticles to deliver drug pairs to specific cancer types, including skin cancer and breast cancer.

23 Dec 2024

Study unveils NAD's link to aging and disease development

UiB researchers are behind a new discovery that tells us how associated neurodegenerative diseases might develop.

23 Dec 2024

Groundbreaking technology converts cancer cells into normal cells

Despite the development of numerous cancer treatment technologies, the common goal of current cancer therapies is to eliminate cancer cells.

23 Dec 2024

Spatial aging clocks reveal how T cells and neural stem cells shape brain aging

Researchers developed spatial aging clocks to map brain cell aging, revealing how T cells accelerate aging and NSCs rejuvenate neighboring cells, offering new insights into brain health and interventions.

22 Dec 2024

New research project aims to uncover molecular factors behind malaria’s deadliest strain

Nearly half the world's population lives in regions where malaria is endemic, with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum accounting for approximately 95% of malaria-related deaths globally.

20 Dec 2024

Solving a decades-long puzzle in leishmaniasis drug development

A breakthrough in understanding how a single-cell parasite makes ergosterol (its version of cholesterol) could lead to more effective drugs for human leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that afflicts about 1 million people and kills about 30,000 people around the world every year.

20 Dec 2024

Unexpected discovery opens doors for improved siRNA therapies

In everyday life, when things turn out the opposite of what you expect, it's usually cause for frustration. In science, it's often the starting point for discovery.

20 Dec 2024

New synthetic biology breakthrough improves genetic circuit integration

The research team led by Professor Jongmin Kim from the Department of Life Sciences at POSTECH, along with graduate students Hyunseop Goh and Seungdo Choi, has successfully developed the 'Synthetic Translational Coupling Element (SynTCE),' significantly enhancing the precision and integration density of genetic circuits in synthetic biology.

20 Dec 2024

Host heterogeneity increases pathogen virulence in metapopulations

Heterogeneity is ubiquitous in real-world host populations, yet most theories assume homogeneity. Using a metapopulation model, we examine how host heterogeneities, such as uneven movement patterns and local productivities, affect the evolution of pathogen virulence.

20 Dec 2024

Pioneering research identifies three subtypes of osteosarcoma for better treatment

Researchers have been able to identify at least three distinct subtypes of a rare type of bone cancer for the first time, which could transform clinical trials and patient care.

20 Dec 2024

Shiitake-based supplement may help prevent liver damage progression

AHCC demonstrates potential in preventing liver fibrosis progression by inhibiting HSC activation and regulating key pathways involved in liver injury.

20 Dec 2024

Long-term green tea catechins prevent aging-related cardiac dysfunction

A new publication from Genes & Diseases; DOI 10.1016/j.gendis.2024.101284, discusses the effect of long-term administration of green tea catechins on aging-related cardiac diastolic dysfunction and decline of troponin I.

20 Dec 2024

Insights into LKB1's role in tumorigenesis

A new publication from Genes & Diseases; DOI 10.1016/j.gendis.2024.101402, discusses insights into targeting LKB1 in tumorigenesis.

20 Dec 2024

Novel photosensitizer Ce6-GFFY shows promise for colorectal cancer therapy

A new publication from Genes & Diseases; DOI 10.1016/j.gendis.2024.101441, discusses how Ce6-GFFY is a novel photosensitizer for colorectal cancer therapy.

20 Dec 2024

New insights into glioblastoma resistance to temozolomide

In spite of intensive research, glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal types of brain cancer. Temozolomide (TMZ) is used as the front-line medicine in its treatment.

19 Dec 2024

Study uncovers a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder

New research published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the condition.

19 Dec 2024