genomic imprinting
An epigenetic phenomenon where gene expression depends on whether the gene was inherited from the mother or father.
Full Definition
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic regulatory mechanism where certain genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, meaning the gene's activity depends on whether it was inherited from the mother or father. This process involves DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks that silence one parental allele while allowing the other to be expressed. Disruption of genomic imprinting can cause various genetic disorders and is particularly relevant in reproductive genetics for understanding conditions like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Angelman syndrome.
Usage
Usage note: May also be referred to as 'parental imprinting' in some contexts.
In Context
- "Genomic imprinting explains why Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes result from defects in the same chromosomal region." — Genetics textbook
- "The methylation analysis confirmed abnormal genomic imprinting as the molecular mechanism underlying the patient's condition." — Molecular diagnostic report