Gain-of-Function (GOF) research is a broad area of scientific inquiry where an organism gains a new property or an existing property is altered. The terms gain of function and loss of function refer to any genetic mutation in an organism that either confers a new or enhanced ability or causes the loss of an ability. Such changes often occur naturally, however, scientists can induce some changes to organisms through experimentation. A new report from the Congressional Research Services discussed the risks/benefits of such investigations and current oversight mechanisms.
The report can be obtained at https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/IF12021.pdf.