Definition: Genes that show rapid and transient expression in the absence of de novo protein synthesis. The term was originally used exclusively for viral genes where immediate-early referred to transcription immediately following virus integration into the host cell. It is also used to describe cellular genes which are expressed immediately after resting cells are stimulated by extracellular signals such as growth factors and neurotransmitters.
genes showing rapid & transient expression in absence of protein synthesis: read MeSH definition for history of "immediate-early"
See AlsoImmediate-Early Proteins
Other names Immediate-Early Genes; Immediate-Early Gene; Immediate Early Genes; Genes, Immediate Early; Gene, Immediate-Early
