Genomic imprinting in mammals.

摘要: A handful of autosomal genes in the mammalian genome are inherited a silent state from one two parents, and fully active form other, thereby rendering organism functionally hemizygous for imprinted genes. To date 19 have been identified; 5 expressed maternal chromosome while rest paternal chromosome. Allele-specific methylation CpG residues, established germlines maintained throughout embryogenesis, has clearly implicated maintenance imprinting somatic cells. Although function remains subject some debate, process is thought to an important role regulating rate fetal growth.