Gene Expression: Overview of Control - When The Regulation Of Gene Expression Fails
When the Regulation of Gene Expression Fails
When the control of gene expression fails, there can be serious consequences, such as death, birth defects, and cancer. Birth defects can result when the regulation of one or more genes important for development is lost. This often occurs because of a mutation, but it can also occur if the embryo or fetus is exposed to certain chemicals, such as alcohol. Mutations in the receptor for fibroblast growth factor, for instance, cause dwarfism. Cancer occurs when the regulation of genes that control growth and cell division, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and cell migration are lost.
SEEALSO ALTERNATIVE SPLICING; BIRTH DEFECTS; DEVELOPMENT, GENETIC CONTROL OF; GENE; HORMONAL REGULATION; POST-TRANSLATIONAL CONTROL; PROTEINS; RNA PROCESSING; SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION; TRANSCRIPTION; TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS.
Eric Aamodt
Bibliography
Alberts, Bruce, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th ed. New York: Garland Science,2002.
Lodish, Harvey, et al. Molecular Cell Biology, 4th ed. New York: W. H. Freeman, 2000.
Struhl, K. "Gene Regulation. A Paradigm for Precision." Science 293 (2001):1054-1055.
Tjian, R. "Molecular Machines That Control Genes." Scientific American 272, no. 2(1995): 54-61.
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