Genomic imprinting: Summary of an NICHD conference

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Abstract
Compelling evidence for genomic imprinting as a pathogenetic mechanism in humans mandates re-evaluation of every genetic or multifactorial disease for parent-of-origin effects. In an expanding list of malformation syndromes, cancers, growth abnormalities, and chromosomal disorders, phenotypes may be determined by source rather than content of transmitted DNA. A multidisciplinary conference held on April 13–14, 1992, reviewed the substantial impact of genomic imprinting in mouse development and discussed in role in human pregnancy, childhood cancers, chromosomal translocations, X-inactivations, and several disorders associated with mental retardation. Topics for future research include the mechanism, timing, reversibility, and homology of the imprinting process.