The continuing quest to comprehend genomic imprinting.
Cytogenet Genome Res
; 113(1-4): 6-11, 2006.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16575156
ABSTRACT
The discovery of the phenomenon of genomic imprinting in mammals showed that the parental genomes are functionally non-equivalent. Considerable advances have occurred in the field over the past 20 years, which has resulted in the identification and functional analysis of a number of imprinted genes the expression of which is determined by their parental origin. These genes belong to many diverse categories and they have been shown to regulate growth, complex aspects of mammalian physiology and behavior. Many aspects of the mechanism of imprinting have also been elucidated. However, the reasons for the evolution of genomic imprinting remain enigmatic. Further research is needed to determine if there is any relationship between the apparently diverse functions of imprinted genes in mammals, and their role in human diseases. It also remains to be seen what common features exist amongst the diverse imprinting control elements. The mechanisms involved in the erasure and re-establishment of imprints should provide deeper insights into epigenetic mechanisms of wide general interest.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Empreinte génomique
/
Mammifères
Limites:
Animals
Langue:
En
Journal:
Cytogenet Genome Res
Sujet du journal:
GENETICA
Année:
2006
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Royaume-Uni