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målgen

A målgen, or target gene, is a gene selected for experimental manipulation or investigation. It serves as the focus of studies aimed at understanding gene function, regulation, or disease. The term is used in genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology to denote the gene that researchers perturb to observe effects.

Identification and selection: Researchers identify målgen candidates using prior knowledge from genetic association studies, expression data,

Applications: Målgen are central to functional genomics, model organisms, and therapeutic development. Perturbing a målgen reveals

Methods of manipulation: High-level approaches include gene knockout or knockdown, overexpression, and genome editing to introduce

Ethics and regulation: Work involving target genes, especially when translation to humans is considered, is governed

and
pathway
analyses.
They
consider
the
gene’s
relevance
to
a
phenotype,
its
expression
pattern
in
the
tissue
of
interest,
and
potential
druggability.
Bioinformatics
tools
and
curated
databases
help
prioritize
targets
by
linking
genes
to
diseases
and
networks.
its
role
and
its
contribution
to
disease
pathways.
In
drug
discovery,
target
genes
are
evaluated
for
potential
as
drug
targets;
in
cancer
research,
genes
such
as
PCSK9,
TP53,
or
BRCA1
are
often
studied
for
their
roles
in
disease
and
therapy.
or
correct
variants.
Researchers
aim
for
specific,
controllable
changes
while
minimizing
off-target
effects.
Experimental
design,
proper
controls,
and
validation
are
essential
to
interpret
results
reliably.
by
ethical
guidelines
and
regulatory
oversight.
This
includes
risk
assessment,
oversight
of
genetic
modification,
and
adherence
to
biosafety
standards
and
consent
requirements
where
applicable.