Protein Variants

Definition

Protein variants refer to different forms of a protein that can be produced from the same gene as a result of alternative splicing or post-translational modifications.

Analogy

Think of protein variants like different versions of a song. The original sheet music is like the gene, but depending on the artist performing it (alternative splicing) or how it's remixed after recording (post-translational modifications), you can end up with many unique versions.

Related terms

Isoforms: Different forms of proteins that are produced from the same gene due to alternative splicing.

Post-Translational Modifications: Changes made to polypeptide chains following translation. These changes alter the properties and functions of proteins.

Alternative Splicing: A regulated process during gene expression that results in a single gene coding for multiple proteins by selectively including or excluding certain exons.