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Imprinted genes in the placenta--a review
P M Coan1, G J Burton, A C Ferguson-Smith
1Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK. pmc40@cam.ac.uk
Placenta
|April 20, 2005
Summary
Imprinted genes, expressed based on parental origin, are crucial for placental development. Disrupting these genes in mice shows they regulate fetal and placental growth, with paternal genes enhancing and maternal genes restraining it.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Imprinted genes exhibit monoallelic expression determined by parental origin.
- Most imprinted genes show high expression in extraembryonic tissues like the placenta and yolk sac.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current information on imprinted genes in placental development.
- To suggest potential functional roles for imprinted genes during placental development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on imprinted genes.
- Analysis of mouse models with disrupted imprinted genes.
Main Results:
- Imprinted genes are highly expressed in placental and yolk sac tissues.
- Disruption of imprinted genes in mouse models impacts fetal and placental growth.
- Paternally expressed genes promote growth, while maternally expressed genes inhibit it.
Conclusions:
- Imprinted genes play a significant role in regulating placental development.
- Parental origin of gene expression influences fetal and placental growth dynamics.