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- Title
Chromatin mechanisms in genomic imprinting.
- Authors
Kacem, Slim; Feil, Robert
- Abstract
Mammalian imprinted genes are clustered in chromosomal domains. Their mono-allelic, parent-of-origin-specific expression is regulated by imprinting control regions (ICRs), which are essential sequence elements marked by DNA methylation on one of the two parental alleles. These methylation "imprints" are established during gametogenesis and, after fertilization, are somatically maintained throughout development. Nonhistone proteins and histone modifications contribute to this epigenetic process. The way ICRs mediate imprinted gene expression differs between domains. At some domains, for instance, ICRs produce long noncoding RNAs that mediate chromatin silencing. Lysine methylation on histone H3 is involved in this developmental process and is particularly important for imprinting in the placenta and brain. Together, the newly discovered chromatin mechanisms provide further clues for addressing imprinting-related pathologies in humans.
- Publication
Mammalian genome : official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society, 2009, Vol 20, Issue 9-10, p544
- ISSN
1432-1777
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00335-009-9223-4