diff --git a/client/src/components/geneExpression/index.js b/client/src/components/geneExpression/index.js
index 0e4e6dbb..7fe4600a 100644
--- a/client/src/components/geneExpression/index.js
+++ b/client/src/components/geneExpression/index.js
@@ -259,6 +259,7 @@ class GeneExpression extends React.Component {
                   /* this happens on 'enter' */
                   this.handleClick(g);
                 }}
+                initialContent={<MenuItem disabled text="Enter a gene…" />}
                 inputProps={{ "data-testid": "gene-search" }}
                 inputValueRenderer={g => {
                   return "";