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10:17
An Allele-specific Gene Expression Assay to Test the Functional Basis of Genetic Associations
Published on: November 3, 2010
Monozygotic twins reveal germline contribution to allelic expression differences
Vivian G Cheung1, Alan Bruzel, Joshua T Burdick
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
American Journal of Human Genetics
|June 3, 2008
Summary
Gene expression differences between alleles are often genetically controlled. Even small variations in allelic expression levels are frequently determined by genetic factors, impacting cell function.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Gene expression variation influences cellular function and traits.
- Allelic variants can lead to differential gene expression and phenotypic diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic control of differential allelic expression.
- To compare allelic expression patterns in monozygotic twins and unrelated individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of heterozygous loci in monozygotic twins.
- Comparison of allelic expression levels between twin pairs and unrelated individuals.
Main Results:
- High similarity in differential allelic expression within monozygotic twin pairs for numerous loci.
- Demonstration that subtle departures from equal allelic expression are often genetically determined.
Conclusions:
- Differential allelic expression is significantly influenced by genetic factors.
- Genetic control plays a crucial role in shaping gene expression variation at the allelic level.
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