Emerging and evolving concepts in gene essentiality
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Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Mapping Bacterial Functional Networks and Pathways in Escherichia Coli using Synthetic Genetic Arrays
Published on: November 12, 2012
Giulia Rancati1, Jason Moffat2,3, Athanasios Typas4
1Institute of Medical Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos #05, Singapore 138648, Singapore.
Abstract:
Gene essentiality is a founding concept of genetics with important implications in both fundamental and applied research. Multiple screens have been performed over the years in bacteria, yeasts, animals and more recently in human cells to identify essential genes. A mounting body of evidence suggests that gene essentiality, rather than being a static and binary property, is both context dependent and evolvable in all kingdoms of life. This concept of a non-absolute nature of gene essentiality changes our fundamental understanding of essential biological processes and could directly affect future treatment strategies for cancer and infectious diseases.
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