What is meant by target gene?
Gene targeting is the process of altering a specific sequence or gene at its location in a genome. Potential modifications include deletion, insertion or replacement of endogenous sequence with alternative sequences.
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A target gene is a gene whose expression is modified by a particular genetic, epigenetic, or post-translational modification in response to changes in the environment or cellular state. Target genes play important roles in cell growth, differentiation, and development.
Target Genes Functions
Target genes are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including:
- Metabolic Regulation – Target genes are important for the control of cellular metabolism, such as energy production, carbohydrate, lipid and protein synthesis, and degradation.
- Cell Signaling – Target genes regulate cell-cell communication and intracellular signaling pathways.
- Cell Growth and Differentiation – Target genes are involved in the regulation of cell division, motility, and differentiation.
- Immune and Nervous System Regulation – Target genes are involved in the regulation of the immune and nervous systems.
Target Genes Expression
The activity of target genes is regulated by a wide range of mechanisms, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational modification, as well as epigenetic modifications. These modifications affect the expression of target genes in response to environmental cues or cellular states.
Summary
Target genes are genes whose expression is affected by a particular genetic, epigenetic, or post-translational modification in response to changes in the environment or cellular state. Target genes are involved in metabolic regulation, cell signaling, cell growth and differentiation, and immune and nervous system regulation. Target genes expression is regulated by a wide range of mechanisms, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, as well as epigenetic modifications.