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​Epistasis

updated: March 28, 2024

Definition

Epistasis is a circumstance where the expression of one gene is modified (e.g., masked, inhibited or suppressed) by the expression of one or more other genes.



Narration

Epistasis. Interestingly, the word “epistasis” is composed of Greek roots that mean “standing upon.” A good example of epistasis is coat color in the popular dog breed the Labrador retriever. Labrador retriever coat color genes only come in black or chocolate. But you see yellow Labrador retrievers running around the dog park. This occurs when recessive epistatic genes called “extension genes” don't actually allow color pigment to reach the fur.

Elaine Ostrander
Elaine A. Ostrander, Ph.D.

Chief & NIH Distinguished Investigator

Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch