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a Related Biological Terms:

gel retardation assay

(see gel shift assay (electrophoretic mobility shift assay; EMSA))

gel shift assay (electrophoretic mobility shift assay; EMSA)

A method to identify by function a band on a polyacrylamide gel. electrophoresis is performed on a mixture of proteins before and after treatment with a strong ligand that is specific to one component, and note is made of the absence or shift in position of a protein due to prior binding to the ligand. A variant is the gel retardation assay, an approach to detecting DNA-binding proteins by their ability to bind to a short radiolabelled DNA fragment and, as a result, decrease its electrophoretic mobility in a gel. Recommended reading: next generation sequencing

gene amplification

The synthesis of multiple copies of a specific gene, which remain as tandem repeats within the chromosome or are segregated as satellite DNA.

gene amplification with transcription/ translation (GATT)

A method for the production of up to 1010 protein molecules per DNA by a continuous process in a homogeneous solution. Resto, E., Iida, A., Van Cleve, M.D. and Hecht, S.M. (1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20, 5979-5983

gene dosage PCR (gd-PCR)

A method for quantification of the relative amount of a gene in a biological sample. One primer is constructed to hybridize with a gene known to be in the chromosome in question (e.g. chromosome 21 in the case of Down's syndrome) and another to hybridize to an unrelated gene in a different chromosome. Quantification of the amplified PCR products is sufficiently precise to distinguish a 50% increase in the chromosome 21 gene. Taylor, G.R. and Logan, W.P. (1995) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 6, 24-29 Related tool: real time pcr

gene duplication

Gene duplication leads to the generation of a new copy of a gene or chromosome region. Gene duplication is a widespread mutation mechanism occurring in all multicellular organisms (e.g., metazoa and plants) and microorganisms that have been critical for evolution. For example, a whole-genome duplication event occurred in the common ancestor of all teleost fishes contributing to the rich diversity of this vertebrate group. Gene duplication may occur through different mechanisms. For example, during recombination events in meiosis, unequal crossing-over between misaligned homologous chromosomes leads to tandem duplication. In replication slippage, a mistake in DNA replication by the polymerase, often over repetitive sequences, leads to the duplication of short sequences and their misalignment. In aneuploidy, a nondisjunction at a chromosome leads to the wrong number of chromosomes (e.g., trisomy 21) Learn more about restriction enzymes.

gene targeting

The introduction of a homologous DNA sequence into a specific site in the genome of a cell, either by replacement of the former sequence, i.e. sequence replacement, or by insertion into the former sequence, i.e. sequence insertion. A vector that is homologous and co-linear with a partial sequence of the targeted gene is introduced into an appropriate cell, e.g. a stem cell of some sort; it is incorporated into the genome of some of the cell's progeny and replaces the former sequence. If, however, homologous regions of the vector hybridize to the gene, and it is then incorporated into the gene by homologous recombination, the result is a disruption of the gene by insertion of the vector sequence. Recommended reading: next generation sequencing

gene therapy

Gene therapy is a medical approach that involves the modification, addition, or replacement of genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. It aims to correct genetic disorders or provide therapeutic benefits by introducing new genetic material into a person's cells. This field of research and treatment holds great promise for addressing a wide range of inherited and acquired diseases. There are different types of gene therapy approaches: 1. Gene Replacement Therapy: In this approach, a functional copy of a missing or defective gene is introduced into the patient's cells to compensate for the genetic mutation causing the disease. This can be particularly effective for genetic disorders caused by a single gene mutation, such as cystic fibrosis or hemophilia. 2. Gene Editing: Gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, allow for targeted modification of specific genes within the genome. This approach can involve correcting or disabling a faulty gene, introducing specific changes, or regulating gene expression. 3. Gene Addition Therapy: Healthy genes are inserted into a patient's cells to provide a therapeutic benefit. This is often used when the patient's cells are lacking a specific gene necessary for normal function, as seen in certain types of inherited retinal disorders. 4. Immunogene Therapy: Genes are introduced to stimulate or enhance the immune response against diseases such as cancer. This can involve modifying immune cells to better target and attack cancer cells. Gene therapy can be administered in various ways, including: • Ex Vivo: Cells are removed from the patient's body, modified in the laboratory to include the desired genes, and then reintroduced back into the patient. • In Vivo: The therapeutic genes are directly delivered to the patient's body using vectors (usually viruses that have been modified to carry the therapeutic gene) or other delivery mechanisms. Gene therapy has shown promising results in clinical trials for a variety of conditions, including inherited disorders like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID, also known as "bubble boy" disease), hemophilia, certain types of blindness, and various types of cancer. However, there are still challenges to overcome, including safety concerns, the potential for unintended genetic changes, and the immune response to the viral vectors used for delivery. GenScript related applications: Gene Therapy Solutions, Your One-stop Solution For Gene And Cell Engineering Research, Immuno-Oncology Research and CRISPR Gene Editing

general acid

In chemistry, a proton donor that can participate in catalysis. (see also general base; specific acid)

general base

In chemistry, a proton acceptor that can participate in catalysis. (see also general base; specific acid)

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