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Related Concept Videos

Genetic Screens02:46

Genetic Screens

Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing  genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Genetic Material01:20

Genetic Material

Within the human body, a complex and detailed system of trillions of cells works in unison to sustain life. Each cell houses a nucleus, which contains 46 chromosomes divided into 23 pairs. Chromosomes are highly coiled structures made of the genetic material DNA. These chromosomes are essential carriers of genetic information, with half inherited from the mother through her egg and the other half from the father's sperm, combining to create the unique genetic makeup of an individual.
Combinatorial Gene Control02:33

Combinatorial Gene Control

Combinatorial gene control is the synergistic action of several transcriptional factors to regulate the expression of a single gene. The absence of one or more of these factors may lead to a significant difference in the level of gene expression or repression.
The expression of more than 30,000 genes is controlled by approximately 2000-3000 transcription factors. This is possible because a single transcription factor can recognize more than one regulatory sequence. The specificity in gene...
Genetic Variation01:25

Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs01:23

Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs

Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow
08:58

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow

Published on: October 17, 2025

Time to think outside the (genetic) box.

Jean-Pierre J Issa1, Judy E Garber

  • 1Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 428, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jpissa@mdanderson.org

Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|January 6, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Somatic epigenetic changes, not gene mutations, may explain inherited cancer syndromes. This finding offers new insights into cancer causes and prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Genetics

Background:

  • Many cancers present with features of inherited syndromes, such as early onset, yet lack identifiable causative gene mutations.
  • This diagnostic challenge leaves the etiology, risk, and prevention strategies for these cases unclear.

Discussion:

  • Wong et al. propose somatic epigenetic inactivation as a potential mechanism explaining these hereditary cancer-like presentations.
  • Specifically, they investigated this in the context of BRCA1-associated breast cancer.
  • Epigenetic alterations, which modify gene expression without changing DNA sequence, offer an alternative to germline mutations.

Key Insights:

  • Somatic epigenetic silencing of key genes can mimic inherited cancer predisposition.
  • This mechanism provides a molecular explanation for familial cancer cases without known genetic drivers.

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In Vivo Forward Genetic Screen to Identify Novel Neuroprotective Genes in Drosophila melanogaster
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In Vivo Forward Genetic Screen to Identify Novel Neuroprotective Genes in Drosophila melanogaster

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An Efficient Strategy for Generating Tissue-specific Binary Transcription Systems in Drosophila by Genome Editing
10:01

An Efficient Strategy for Generating Tissue-specific Binary Transcription Systems in Drosophila by Genome Editing

Published on: September 19, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow
08:58

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow

Published on: October 17, 2025

In Vivo Forward Genetic Screen to Identify Novel Neuroprotective Genes in Drosophila melanogaster
10:00

In Vivo Forward Genetic Screen to Identify Novel Neuroprotective Genes in Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: July 11, 2019

An Efficient Strategy for Generating Tissue-specific Binary Transcription Systems in Drosophila by Genome Editing
10:01

An Efficient Strategy for Generating Tissue-specific Binary Transcription Systems in Drosophila by Genome Editing

Published on: September 19, 2018

  • Understanding epigenetic contributions is crucial for accurate cancer diagnosis and risk assessment.

    • Outlook:

    • Further research is needed to identify the full spectrum of epigenetic alterations in various cancer types.
    • This knowledge could lead to novel biomarkers for early detection and risk stratification.
    • Targeting epigenetic pathways may offer new avenues for cancer prevention and treatment.