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PHLDA2 is an imprinted gene in cattle.
K M Sikora1, D A Magee, E W Berkowicz
1Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Animal Genetics
|April 14, 2012
Summary
Genomic imprinting influences mammalian development. This study confirms PHLDA2 is a maternally expressed imprinted gene in cattle, impacting fetal tissues and the placenta.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon in placental mammals, causing parent-of-origin-specific gene expression.
- The PHLDA2 gene is known as a maternally expressed imprinted gene in humans, mice, and pigs.
- Disruption of imprinted genes can lead to growth abnormalities, as seen in cloned mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of the PHLDA2 gene in cattle.
- To determine if PHLDA2 exhibits genomic imprinting in bovine fetal tissues and placenta.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PHLDA2 gene expression across various cattle fetal tissues and developmental stages.
- Assessment of allelic expression to confirm monoallelic expression characteristic of imprinting.
Main Results:
- PHLDA2 is expressed in a range of cattle fetal tissues and at different developmental stages.
- The study provides the first evidence of PHLDA2 as a monoallelically expressed imprinted gene in cattle fetal tissues.
- PHLDA2 imprinting was also confirmed in the bovine placenta.
Conclusions:
- PHLDA2 is a maternally expressed imprinted gene in cattle, similar to other mammals.
- This finding contributes to understanding the role of genomic imprinting in bovine development and placental function.
- Further research into PHLDA2's function in cattle may reveal implications for growth and disease.
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