Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: January 7, 2014
Linking gene expression to mechanisms of toxicity
J L Stevens1, H Liu, M Halleck
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA. jim.stevens@uvm.edu
Abstract:
Activation of gene expression is one of the earliest cellular responses to toxicity. However, our understanding of the biological and biochemical signals that activate these toxicant-responsive genes as well as the consequences of gene activation to survival of the organism remains sketchy. In this article, strategies that can be used to link changes in gene expression to biochemical mechanisms of toxicity are addressed using the hsp70 and grp78 genes as examples. The data indicate that activation of hsp70 is linked to changes in thiol-disulfide redox perturbations while grp78 activation may be caused by loss of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum. Each gene is part of a discrete feedback regulated signaling pathway designed to protect cells against the toxic signals that activate gene expression.
Related Concept Videos
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Reporter Genes
Commonly used reporter...
What is Gene Expression?
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity

