Imprinted genes, cognition and behaviour.

¹Neurobiology and Developmental Genetics Programmes, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, UK CB2 4AT.

|July 25, 2000

Summary

Genomic imprinting, where genes are expressed based on parental origin, influences behavior and cognition. This review explores imprinted genes

Area of Science:

Background:

Genes influence behavioral predispositions and psychological determinants.
Genomic imprinting involves allele silencing based on parental origin, leading to parent-of-origin-specific inheritance.
This contrasts with typical inheritance patterns unaffected by allele parental origin.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on imprinted genes and their effects on behavioral and cognitive phenotypes.
To explore the role of genomic imprinting in mental disorders, Turner's syndrome, and animal models.
To connect neurodevelopment, mental disease vulnerability, and evolutionary theories regarding the 'battle of the sexes' at the cognitive and behavioral level.

Main Methods:

Review of recent findings combining cognitive neuropsychology, behavioral neuroscience, and molecular genetics.
Analysis of evidence for imprinted effects on behavioral and cognitive phenotypes.
Examination of studies on mental disorders, Turner's syndrome, and experimental animal models.

Main Results:

Imprinted genes significantly affect behavioral and cognitive phenotypes.
Evidence from human disorders and animal models supports the role of imprinting in neurodevelopment and behavior.
Imprinted effects may link neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions to evolutionary 'battle of the sexes' theories.

Conclusions:

Genomic imprinting is a key mechanism influencing complex behavioral and cognitive traits.
Understanding imprinting provides insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illness.
Imprinted gene effects offer a genetic basis for evolutionary theories on parental conflict and its impact on behavior.

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