geneprotein

Geneprotein is not a standard term in biology, but it is sometimes used informally to denote the protein product encoded by a gene—the functional product of a gene. In the canonical view of gene expression, a gene's DNA sequence is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into a polypeptide that folds into a functional protein. The abundance and activity of a geneprotein in a cell are controlled by regulatory processes at the levels of transcription, mRNA processing and stability, translation, and protein degradation, collectively shaping gene expression.

Proteins produced from genes perform a wide range of cellular roles. They can act as enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions, structural components that give cells their shape, receptors that detect signals, or regulators that influence gene networks. Post-translational modifications, cellular localization, and interactions with other molecules further determine a geneprotein’s activity and function. Some genes produce multiple geneproteins through alternative splicing or use of different promoters, resulting in isoforms with distinct properties.

Mutations in genes can alter the structure or expression of their geneproteins, contributing to disease. Conversely, changes in gene expression or protein regulation are common targets for therapies. In research, the preferred term is often “gene product” or simply “protein,” with geneprotein used only in specific or informal contexts.

Examples of geneproteins include beta-globin produced by the HBB gene, insulin produced by the INS gene, and the CFTR protein encoded by the CFTR gene.