poligene

Poligene is a term used in some languages to refer to traits or characteristics that are influenced by multiple genes. In English-language genetics, the corresponding and more common term is polygenic. The word reflects the idea that many genetic loci, each contributing a small effect, collectively shape a trait.

Polygenic traits typically show continuous variation rather than discrete categories. Their expression results from additive effects of numerous alleles, potentially modulated by gene interactions (epistasis) and environmental factors. Because many genes contribute, predicting the exact outcome for an individual is difficult, and populations exhibit a broad distribution of phenotypes.

Common examples include height, skin color, body mass index, blood pressure, and susceptibility to many complex diseases. The polygenic model contrasts with monogenic traits, which are largely determined by a single gene and often display clear Mendelian patterns.

In modern research, polygenic influences are studied using quantitative genetics and genome-wide association studies. A common tool is the polygenic risk score, which aggregates the small effects of thousands of genetic variants to estimate an individual’s predisposition to a trait or disease. Such scores aid in risk stratification and research but have limitations, including modest predictive power for some conditions and reduced portability across populations.

Poligene (polygenic) concepts underpin fields from human disease genetics to agriculture, where breeding programs exploit the additive effects of many genes to improve complex traits. Ethical considerations related to privacy and discrimination accompany the increasing use of polygenic information.