paternally imprinted gene

Genomic imprinting is a genetic phenomenon where a gene's expression depends on whether it was inherited from the mother or the father. This process, observed in placental mammals, deviates from traditional Mendelian inheritance by silencing one parental allele, often through DNA methylation, while allowing the other to be expressed.1

Paternally imprinted genes are typically expressed only when inherited from the mother, and maternally imprinted genes are expressed only when inherited from the father. This differential expression plays a role in fetal development, influencing resource extraction from the mother. For instance, paternally expressed genes often promote fetal growth, while maternally expressed genes tend to regulate resource utilization.21

Mutations in imprinted genes can lead to genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome.2