The imprinted gene and parent-of-origin effect database

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Parent-of-origin effects, including genomic imprinting, play a crucial role in mammalian development and disease.
• Understanding these effects is vital for fields ranging from developmental biology to human genetics.
• Existing knowledge on imprinted genes and parent-of-origin phenomena is fragmented across various publications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a centralized, searchable database of imprinted genes and parent-of-origin effects in animals.
• To consolidate information on genetic and phenotypic data related to imprinting across diverse species.
• To provide a valuable resource for researchers investigating the mechanisms and implications of genomic imprinting.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of data from scientific literature on imprinted genes and parent-of-origin effects.
• Inclusion of over 220 entries detailing specific imprinted genes (over 40) and associated phenotypes.
• Recording of diverse parent-of-origin effects, including human disease transmission, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), uniparental disomies, and interspecies crosses.

Main Results:

• The database currently contains over 220 entries.
• It describes more than 40 imprinted genes found in humans, mice, and other animal models.
• A wide array of other parent-of-origin effects are cataloged, enhancing its scope.

Conclusions:

• The database serves as a comprehensive and accessible resource for studying imprinted genes and parent-of-origin effects.
• It facilitates research by providing structured data and direct links to PubMed for further investigation.
• This collation aids in advancing the understanding of genetic inheritance beyond Mendelian principles.