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Related Concept Videos

Genetic Variation01:25

Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
Gene Flow02:39

Gene Flow

Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
07:39

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Published on: April 14, 2023

How does variability of immune system genes affect placentation?

F Colucci1, S Boulenouar, J Kieckbusch

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge Clinical School, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, UK. fc287@medschl.cam.ac.uk

Placenta
|June 14, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Immune gene variations, specifically major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and natural killer receptors (NKR), influence human placentation. Specific fetal MHC and maternal NKR gene combinations are linked to pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
07:39

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Published on: April 14, 2023

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Placentation is vital for mammalian pregnancy, providing fetal nourishment and oxygen.
  • The placenta acts as an interface for maternal immune recognition of fetal cells.
  • Polymorphic immune genes, including MHC and NKR, play a role in maternal-fetal interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of how immune gene variability impacts human placentation.
  • To highlight the association between specific fetal MHC and maternal NKR gene combinations and pregnancy risks.
  • To discuss the potential of mouse genetics in elucidating immune mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and natural killer receptor (NKR) gene variability in human placentation.
  • Analysis of correlations between specific fetal MHC and maternal NKR gene combinations and pregnancy outcomes.
  • Discussion of findings in the context of mouse genetics research.

Main Results:

  • Variability in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and natural killer receptor (NKR) genes significantly impacts human placentation.
  • Specific combinations of fetal MHC and maternal NKR genes are correlated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia, recurrent miscarriage, and fetal growth restriction.
  • Research in this area is nascent, requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Immune gene polymorphisms at the maternal-fetal interface are critical in determining pregnancy outcomes.
  • Understanding these genetic interactions is key to addressing pregnancy complications.
  • Future research, including mouse models, is essential for clinical translation.