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regulatory gene
noun
variants
or regulator gene
: a gene that regulates the expression of one or more structural genes by controlling the production of a protein (such as a genetic repressor) which regulates their rate of transcription
Examples of regulatory gene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This gene is one of those regulatory genes that modifies the expression or the amount of protein product of other genes in the brain that are involved in connections.
—Janna Levin, Quanta Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024
Developmental biologists have had tremendous success in identifying networks of regulatory genes that talk to one another — cascading systems of feedback loops that turn genes on or off at exactly the right time and place to build, say, an eye or a leg.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023
In Gray’s case, the gene editor built by Crispr Therapeutics intentionally crippled a regulatory gene in her bone marrow cells, boosting production of a dormant, fetal form of hemoglobin, and overcoming a mutation that leads to poor production of the adult form of the oxygen-carrying molecule.
—Megan Molteni, Wired, 7 July 2020
None of this is that surprising, EDAR is a significant regulatory gene which shapes the peripheries and exterior of an organism.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2013
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Word History
First Known Use
1960, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near regulatory gene
Cite this Entry
“Regulatory gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regulatory%20gene. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
regulatory gene
noun
variants
or regulator gene
: a gene that regulates the expression of one or more structural genes by controlling the production of a protein (as a genetic repressor) which regulates their rate of transcription
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