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Polygenic Response

Meaning

A biological or clinical outcome that is influenced by the collective effect of multiple genes, each contributing a small, additive effect, rather than being determined by a single gene mutation. This genetic architecture underlies most complex human traits and diseases, including susceptibility to metabolic syndrome, variations in hormonal levels, and individual response to pharmacological interventions. Understanding an individual’s polygenic risk score is increasingly relevant in personalized medicine for predicting complex health trajectories and tailoring wellness strategies.