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The superpowers of imprinting control regions
Bertille Montibus1, Franck Court1, Philippe Arnaud2
1Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Genome Research
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Genomic imprinting uses imprinting control regions (ICRs) to regulate gene expression based on parental origin. These ICRs maintain DNA methylation and coordinate gene expression across imprinted domains.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Genomic imprinting regulates monoallelic gene expression based on parental origin in mammals.
- Imprinted gene expression is controlled by discrete cis-regulatory elements called imprinting control regions (ICRs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the defining features of ICRs as a distinct class of cis-regulatory regions.
- To examine the diverse mechanisms by which ICRs coordinate gene expression within imprinted domains.
- To provide a framework for understanding the molecular basis of controlled gene expression through ICRs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genomic imprinting and ICR function.
- Analysis of mechanisms integrating regulatory functions within ICRs.
- Examination of ICR roles in coordinating proximal and distal imprinted gene expression.
Main Results:
- ICRs maintain germline-inherited DNA methylation.
- ICRs possess multifunctional roles in transcriptional control.
- Individual ICRs integrate multiple regulatory functions to coordinate gene expression across large imprinted domains.
Conclusions:
- ICRs are essential for precise control of imprinted gene expression.
- Understanding ICRs provides insight into the molecular basis of finely controlled gene expression.
- This review offers a framework for further research into imprinting mechanisms.
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