Phenomena and Processes

Immediate-Early Genes

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.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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.

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Classification

Broader headings

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See Also

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Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Genes, Immediate-Early
  • Immediate Early Gene
  • Immediate-Early Gene
  • Early Gene, Immediate
  • Early Genes, Immediate
  • Gene, Immediate Early
  • Gene, Immediate-Early
  • Genes, Immediate Early
  • Immediate Early Genes

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

6 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, ethics, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

genes showing rapid & transient expression in absence of protein synthesis: read MeSH definition for history of "immediate-early"

MeSH Record

History Note

94

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Genes, Viral (1980-1993)
  • specific genes (1972-1993)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. G05.360w.340w.024.340w.330w
  2. G05.360w.340w.024.340w.364.875.345w
  3. G05.360w.340w.358.024.875.345w
  4. G05.360w.340w.358.840.500.345w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Immediate-Early Genes. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D017781. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D017781
  2. Immediate-Early Genes. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immediate_early_gene
  3. Immediate-Early Genes. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q409638