Sex-specific parent-of-origin allelic expression in the mouse brain

C Gregg, J Zhang, JE Butler, D Haig, C Dulac�- Science, 2010 - science.org
C Gregg, J Zhang, JE Butler, D Haig, C Dulac
Science, 2010science.org
Genomic imprinting results in preferential gene expression from paternally versus maternally
inherited chromosomes. We used a genome-wide approach to uncover sex-specific parent-
of-origin allelic effects in the adult mouse brain. Our study identified preferential selection of
the maternally inherited X chromosome in glutamatergic neurons of the female cortex.
Moreover, analysis of the cortex and hypothalamus identified 347 autosomal genes with sex-
specific imprinting features. In the hypothalamus, sex-specific imprinted genes were mostly�…
Genomic imprinting results in preferential gene expression from paternally versus maternally inherited chromosomes. We used a genome-wide approach to uncover sex-specific parent-of-origin allelic effects in the adult mouse brain. Our study identified preferential selection of the maternally inherited X chromosome in glutamatergic neurons of the female cortex. Moreover, analysis of the cortex and hypothalamus identified 347 autosomal genes with sex-specific imprinting features. In the hypothalamus, sex-specific imprinted genes were mostly found in females, which suggests parental influence over the hypothalamic function of daughters. We show that interleukin-18, a gene linked to diseases with sex-specific prevalence, is subject to complex, regional, and sex-specific parental effects in the brain. Parent-of-origin effects thus provide new avenues for investigation of sexual dimorphism in brain function and disease.
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