Award details

Neural and behavioural characterization of imprinted gene action

Reference	BBS/E/B/0000C209
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Lawrence Wilkinson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	520,616
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/02/2005
End date	30/04/2006
Duration	15 months

Abstract

The project will examine the extent to which imprinted genes can influence the way our brains work and the way we behave. Imprinted genes are a special class of genes, representing less than 1% of the total, where function is dependent on whether a copy is passed on to the offspring from the mother or the father. This can be compared with the functions of the vast majority of genes which are indifferent to parental origin. We have become interested in imprinted genes for a number of reasons. 1. Many imprinted genes are expressed in mammalian brain. 2. Imprinted genes appear to be important in fundamental aspects of how our brains develop and get put together in the womb and following birth. 3. Direct manipulation of imprinted genes in mouse models can give rise to behavioural effects. 4. A number of common mental disorders show what are termed `parent-of-origin¿ effects that are characteristic of the action of imprinted genes. We hope that our work will shed light on how this new class of genes alters brain development and/or function, the evolutionary pressures that dictate how they function, and ultimately, what it is that goes wrong with these biological processes to increase an individual¿s vulnerability to mental problems

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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