diff --git a/agfusion/cli.py b/agfusion/cli.py
index 46cb6f9..cfab5c6 100644
--- a/agfusion/cli.py
+++ b/agfusion/cli.py
@@ -169,11 +169,11 @@ def batch_mode(args, agfusion_db, pyensembl_data, rename, colors):
                     scale=None,
                     batch_out_dir=args.out
                 )
-            except exceptions.GeneIDException, e:
+            except exceptions.GeneIDException as e:
                 agfusion_db.logger.error(e)
-            except exceptions.JunctionException, e:
+            except exceptions.JunctionException as e:
                 agfusion_db.logger.error(e)
-            except exceptions.TooManyGenesException, e:
+            except exceptions.TooManyGenesException as e:
                 agfusion_db.logger.error(e)
     else:
         agfusion_db.logger.error(
diff --git a/agfusion/model.py b/agfusion/model.py
index 97dbd49..c070dd3 100644
--- a/agfusion/model.py
+++ b/agfusion/model.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ def __init__(self, genes=None, junction=0, pyensembl_data=None,
         """
 
         if type(genes)==str:
-            genes = list(genes)
+            genes = [genes]
         elif type(genes)!=list:
             db.logger.error(
                 'parameter \'gene\' to _Gene is not string or list: {}'