Epistasis--the essential role of gene interactions in the structure and evolution of genetic systems

Nat Rev Genet. 2008 Nov;9(11):855-67. doi: 10.1038/nrg2452.

Abstract

Epistasis, or interactions between genes, has long been recognized as fundamentally important to understanding the structure and function of genetic pathways and the evolutionary dynamics of complex genetic systems. With the advent of high-throughput functional genomics and the emergence of systems approaches to biology, as well as a new-found ability to pursue the genetic basis of evolution down to specific molecular changes, there is a renewed appreciation both for the importance of studying gene interactions and for addressing these questions in a unified, quantitative manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epistasis, Genetic*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / physiology*
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Systems Biology / methods*