Gene expression is a process in cells where genetic information of a gene is transformed into its functional unit, protein. During gene expression, resembling an instruction manual, the genetic information (in form of letters A, T, C, and G) from the DNA sequence of the gene is used as instructions to build a functional product, a protein. Gene expression is a crucial biological process for the function and survival of living organism, and errors in gene or its function are causes for various disease such as cancer or cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Diseases and health issues can be caused at a genetic level by underexpression (where the gene produces less of a protein than is needed for normal functioning) or overexpression (a gene produces a surplus of a protein, with harmful effects). They can also be caused by normal expression levels of a faulty gene (levels which would be correct if the person had the 'healthy' gene).
This entry was provided by the doctoral students of the GetRADI collaborative network. GetRADI is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.