List of gene families - Definition and Overview

This is a list of gene families or gene complexes, that is sets of genes which occur across a number of different species which often serve similar biological functions. These gene families typically encode functionally related proteins, and sometimes the term gene families is a shorthand for the sets of proteins that the genes encode. They may or may not be physically adjacent on the same chromosome.

Genes-encoding regulatory proteins

• Homeobox (Hox gene family)
• Achaete-scute complex (Neuroblast formation)

Genes-encoding immune system proteins

• Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

Related protein families

Motor proteins

• Myosin
• Kinesin
• Dynein

Signal transducing proteins

• Receptor tyrosine kinases
• G-proteins

Transporters

• ABC proteins