genepathway

Genepathway is a term used to describe a series of molecular interactions and regulatory events driven by gene products that culminate in a specific cellular function or phenotype. In a genepathway, proteins, RNAs, and small metabolites act as nodes, while physical interactions, enzymatic reactions, and transcriptional regulation form the edges that transmit information from one step to the next. Genes provide the blueprint for the components and can be regulated themselves, creating layered control and potential feedback.

Pathways are commonly categorized as signaling pathways, metabolic pathways, or gene regulatory networks. Signaling pathways convey information from receptors on the cell surface or intracellular sensors to effectors inside the cell, often triggering changes in gene expression, metabolism, or behavior. Metabolic pathways transform substrates through enzymatic steps to produce energy or biosynthetic precursors. Gene regulatory pathways govern when and how genes are turned on or off in response to internal states or external signals. Pathways often interact, exhibiting cross-talk and feedback that shape cellular responses.

Researchers map genepathways using curated databases such as KEGG and Reactome, and by experimental data from genetics, proteomics, and metabolomics. These maps support analysis of disease mechanisms, identification of drug targets, and interpretation of high-throughput data. Studying genepathways also underpins computational modeling and systems biology approaches that aim to predict cellular behavior under different conditions.