The ENCODE Project

The ENCODE Project (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) is a research initiative aimed at identifying and understanding all the functional parts of the human genome—beyond just the genes that code for proteins. By analyzing DNA activity in different cell types, ENCODE uncovers how genes are turned on and off, revealing regulatory elements like switches and signals that control gene function. This helps scientists understand how our DNA influences health, development, and disease, providing a comprehensive map of functional elements that contribute to our biology.