Ectopic expression is the expression of a gene in an abnormal place in an organism. This can be caused by a disease, or it can be artificially produced as a way to help determine what the function of that gene is.
Ectopic expression of a gene can be done by introducing a transgene with a modified promoter into the target organism (transient or stable transfection) or by using the Gal4-UAS system. Ectopic expression is used to gain further understanding of the gene's functions.
Famous quotes containing the word expression:
“Of course, some men are very effective caregivers [of elderly parents]. But this situation occurs far less frequently for males than females, because it is a role reversal. For women, caregiving is an expected duty; for men, it is an unexpected expression of love or devotion.”
—Tish Sommers (20th century)