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Gene-Gene Interaction

Meaning

Gene-Gene Interaction, also scientifically termed epistasis, is a fundamental biological phenomenon where the phenotypic expression of one gene is significantly modified by the presence or absence of an allele at a different, independently inherited gene locus. This is a key concept in genetics and endocrinology, as it precisely explains how multiple genetic variants collectively contribute to complex traits or predispositions to polygenic endocrine disorders, such as specific forms of obesity or complex infertility. Understanding these interactions moves beyond single-gene effects to a more comprehensive, systems-level view of genetic architecture.