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Evolution of the imprinted gene cluster on mouse distal chromosome 7 and human 11p15.5 EU NoE The Epigenome

Reference	BBS/E/B/0000S119
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Wolf Reik
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	73,840
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/06/2004
End date	31/03/2012
Duration	94 months

Abstract

We inherit a set of genes from our mother and from our father. For most genes, both copies are equally active irrespective of their parentage, however, 'imprinted genes' are an exception because only one copy of these genes is normally active. A number of genes which are important for growth and development of babies in the womb are imprinted. We are studying a particular collection of these genes, which are located in the same chromosomal region. It is thought that this genetic mechanism evolved in mammals with the placenta, which provides maternal nutrients to the growing fetus. In order to understand the evolution of these genes, we will use bioinformatics analysis to identify the sequence of their DNA in a number of mammalian species, including egg-laying ones (monotremes), and those with quite a different type of placenta (marsupials).

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics	Diet and Health
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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