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What is Gene Expression?

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
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...

What is Gene Expression?

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Cell Specific Gene Expression

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Determining the Role of Maternally-Expressed Genes in Early Development with Maternal Crispants

Determining the Role of Maternally-Expressed Genes in Early Development with Maternal Crispants

Published on: December 21, 2021

Maternally expressed gene 3 in metabolic programming.

Samuel Hamilton¹, Rafael de Cabo¹, Michel Bernier¹

¹Experimental Gerontology Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Gene Regulatory Mechanisms

|July 5, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3), a long noncoding RNA, plays a key role in metabolic health. Its epigenetic regulation by nutrition influences metabolic disorders and cancer, offering protective or costly effects.

Keywords:

Epigenetic imprinting MEG3 Metabolic programming miRNA sponge

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Functional Manipulation of Maternal Gene Products Using In Vitro Oocyte Maturation in Zebrafish

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Last Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Determining the Role of Maternally-Expressed Genes in Early Development with Maternal Crispants

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Functional Manipulation of Maternal Gene Products Using In Vitro Oocyte Maturation in Zebrafish

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Published on: April 22, 2017

Area of Science:

Epigenetics
Molecular Biology
Genomics

Background:

Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) involved in cellular processes via epigenetic regulation and interactions with signaling proteins.
In utero nutrition-induced epigenetic modifications impact MEG3 expression and metabolic disorder development.

Purpose of the Study:

To review how epigenetic modification of MEG3 expression influences adaptation to metabolic environments.
To discuss the protective effects of increased MEG3 expression against cancer and metabolic dysfunction.
To explore interventions that downregulate MEG3 to minimize its expression costs.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on epigenetic modifications of MEG3.
Analysis of the role of MEG3 in metabolic regulation and imprinted gene networks.
Examination of nutritional influences on MEG3 expression.

Main Results:

Increased MEG3 expression, influenced by nutritional status, can protect against cancer and metabolic disorders.
Downregulation of MEG3 expression can mitigate associated pleiotropic costs.
Epigenetic regulation of MEG3 is crucial for adapting to diverse metabolic conditions.

Conclusions:

Epigenetic modifications of MEG3 expression are critical for metabolic adaptation and disease prevention.
Further research into MEG3's role in metabolic regulation and imprinted gene networks is warranted.
MEG3's dual role in protection and cost highlights its significance in metabolic health.