Imprinted genes in mouse placental development and the regulation of fetal energy stores

Imprinted genes, which are preferentially expressed from one or other parental chromosome as a consequence of epigenetic events in the germline, are known to functionally converge on biological processes that enable in utero development in mammals. Over 100 imprinted genes have been identified in the mouse, the majority of which are both expressed and imprinted in the placenta. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the current knowledge regarding imprinted gene function in the mouse placenta. Few imprinted genes have been assessed with respect to their dosage-related action in the placenta. Nonetheless, current data indicate that imprinted genes converge on two key functions of the placenta, nutrient transport and placental signalling. Murine studies may provide a greater understanding of certain human pathologies, including low birth weight and the programming of metabolic diseases in the adult, and complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, resulting from fetuses carrying abnormal imprints.