ScienceAugust 8, 2026

pangenome

PAN-jee-nohm

Definition

The entire set of genes found across all individuals within a specific species, including both common core genes and accessory genes unique to certain strains.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau derived from the Greek prefix 'pan-' meaning 'all' or 'whole' and the term 'genome,' which itself is a combination of 'gene' and the suffix '-ome' (representing a complete set).

In the news

In the article, the researchers assembled a pangenome from eight different rat strains to capture genetic variations that a single reference genome would miss. This tool allows scientists to better identify which genetic sequences contribute to specific diseases.

Telomere-to-telomere brown rat genome could sharpen disease research models

Read the full article ↗

medicalxpress.com

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