Diseases that are caused by a change in a single gene can be inherited in one of several ways, including: 1  Autosomal dominant: This means the condition is caused by a genetic change in just one copy of the gene.his change is called a mutation. Such changes in the genetic sequence can. 1  Inactivate the gene and result in a loss of function, 2  Cause the gene to create abnormal forms of the normal protein or. 3  Result in increased production of the normal protein.