epigenome

[ ep-i-jee-nohm ]

noun

1. Genetics. a network of chemical compounds surrounding DNA that modify the genome without altering the DNA sequences and have a role in determining which genes are active in a particular cell.

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigenome¹

epi- + genome

Example Sentences

This signature is part of the epigenome, chemical markers that dot many spots along DNA and influence the activity of genes without altering their sequence.

From Science News

This isn’t the first time someone’s tried to target the epigenome with CRISPR.

From Singularity Hub 

“What we showed is that this is a viable strategy for silencing Tau and preventing that protein from being expressed,” said Weissman, highlighting just one way CRISPRoff—and controlling the epigenome in general—can alter medicine.

From Singularity Hub