Term: fusion protein

Pronunciation: (FYOO-zhun PROH-teen)

Description:

A protein made from a fusion gene, which is created by joining parts of two different genes. Fusion genes may occur naturally in the body by transfer of DNA between chromosomes. For example, the BCR::ABL gene found in some types of leukemia is a fusion gene that makes the BCR::ABL fusion protein. Fusion genes and proteins can also be made in the laboratory by combining genes or parts of genes from the same or different organisms.