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

Researchers seek to develop noninvasive diagnostics for chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and long-term illness characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, and can worsen with physical activity.

21 Nov 2024

Normal breast tissue cells harbor cancer-like genetic abnormalities

A new study from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center finds that, in healthy women, some breast cells that otherwise appear normal may contain chromosome abnormalities typically associated with invasive breast cancer. The findings question conventional thinking on the genetic origins of breast cancer, which could influence early cancer detection methods.

20 Nov 2024

Researchers uncover key genes linked to DCIS progression

A team of researchers mapping a molecular atlas for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has made a major advance toward distinguishing whether the early pre-cancers in the breast will develop into invasive cancers or remain stable.

20 Nov 2024

CRISPR-based therapy shown to be safe, effective for people with transthyretin amyloidosis

A new type of therapy that 'edits' a gene in patients with a rare heart condition has been shown to be safe and effective, according to research from UCL and the Royal Free Hospital.

20 Nov 2024

Researchers unlock cell density as a tool for building synthetic tissues

Genes aren't the sole driver instructing cells to build multicellular structures, tissues, and organs. In a new paper published in Nature Communications, USC Stem Cell scientist Leonardo Morsut and Caltech computational biologist Matt Thomson characterize the influence of another important developmental driver: cell density, or how loosely or tightly cells are packed into a given space.

20 Nov 2024

Study links GERD to increased cardiovascular risk factors

A recent study published in the Journal of Translational Internal Medicine (https://doi.org/10.1515/jtim-2024-0017) reveals significant insights into the broader impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on cardiovascular health.

20 Nov 2024

Researchers uncover hidden roles of accessory genes in SARS-CoV-2

Viruses are lean, mean, infection machines. Their genomes are tiny, usually limited to a handful of absolutely essential genes, and they shed extra genomic deadweight extremely fast.

20 Nov 2024

Study identifies DNA collisions driving genetic changes in cancer

Cancer researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have discovered that mutations in certain genes can lead to the accumulation of DNA errors, resulting in a specific type of genetic change known as large tandem duplications (TDs) that can arise from the collision of two critical cellular processes: transcription and DNA replication.

20 Nov 2024

Barcoding small extracellular vesicles with new CRISPR-based system

Cell-to-cell communication through nanosized particles, working as messengers and carriers, can now be analyzed in a whole new way, thanks to a new method involving CRISPR gene-editing technology.

20 Nov 2024

New CAR T-cell therapy shows promise against aggressive HER2+ breast cancer

One-third of HER2-positive (HER2+) tumors express the P95HER2 protein, which associates with an aggressive form of breast cancer with a poorer prognosis. Investigators of the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology's (VHIO) Growth Factors Group, in collaboration with researchers of the Cancer Research Program of Hospital del Mar Research Institute (HMRI), Barcelona, have developed novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy that can produce a potent antitumor response against p95HER2-expressing cells.

19 Nov 2024

From crude lysate to purity with high-precision AAV capsid measurement with Bio-Rad's new ddPCR Kit

Accurately quantify AAV capsids directly from crude lysates with Bio-Rad's new ddPCR kit—offering reliable, efficient, and precise measurement to streamline your research workflows.

From Bio-Rad Laboratories 19 Nov 2024

Small Solutions for Big Problems in Drug Discovery and Delivery

Ijeoma Uchegbu discusses nanomedicine's role in improving medication adherence and developing non-addictive pain relief solutions at ELRIG Drug Discovery 2024.

19 Nov 2024

Stilla Technologies with Source BioScience brings advanced genomics solutions to the UK market

Stilla Technologies, a global leader in digital PCR (dPCR) solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Source BioScience, a leading UK-based genomics service provider.

From Stilla Technologies 19 Nov 2024

Memories of obesity can linger in fat cells long after weight loss

Epigenetic changes from obesity persist after weight loss, altering fat cell function and increasing the risk of weight regain, impacting metabolic health.

19 Nov 2024

Innovative platform helps explore genetic links to 99 diseases

A new study introduces the Proteome-Wide Association Study Hub, an innovative and powerful tool designed to explore gene-disease connections across ninety-nine common diseases.

18 Nov 2024

Rare variant analysis reveals genetic spectrum of monogenic diabetes genes

This study links rare genetic variants to type 2 diabetes risk, emphasizing their role in monogenic diabetes and potential for precision medicine integration.

18 Nov 2024

Study links cannabis use to genotoxicity and transgenerational health impacts

Cannabis exposure leads to genetic damage and accelerated aging, raising concerns about its transgenerational health effects and public health implications.

18 Nov 2024

Spermidine regulates RIPK1 to combat diabetes and vascular damage

Researchers reveal that spermidine-mediated acetylhypusination of RIPK1 suppresses necroptosis and insulin resistance, offering potential therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes.

18 Nov 2024

Engineered virus-like particles evolve for superior gene delivery efficiency

Researchers developed a barcoded directed evolution system for engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs), creating a fifth-generation (v5) eVLP with enhanced production, transduction, and gene-editing efficiency. This system could pave the way for improved gene delivery vehicles in therapeutic applications.

17 Nov 2024