Gene expression pathways

Gene expression pathways encompass the complex series of biological processes by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product, typically proteins or functional RNA [1]. This involves transcription (DNA to RNA), RNA splicing, and translation (RNA to protein), as well as various regulatory mechanisms such as epigenetic modifications and the action of transcription factors [2]. Dysregulation of these pathways is a hallmark of numerous diseases, particularly cancer, where aberrant gene expression drives uncontrolled cell growth and survival [2, 3]. While specific enzymes and receptors within these pathways are frequently targeted by therapeutic agents (e.g., HDAC inhibitors like Vorinostat), the pathways themselves represent a broad category of biological activity rather than a single druggable entity [4]. Consequently, targeting these pathways requires high specificity to avoid systemic toxicity and unintended disruption of essential cellular functions [3]. The study of these pathways is crucial for understanding how cells respond to environmental cues and how genetic mutations lead to disease phenotypes.

Other names

Gene regulatory networksTranscriptional machineryProtein synthesis pathwaysGene expression machinery

Modulation of the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein through the inhibition of transcriptional, translational, or epigenetic regulatory components.