Sex-specific parent-of-origin allelic expression in the mouse brain

Science. 2010 Aug 6;329(5992):682-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1190831. Epub 2010 Jul 8.

Abstract

Genomic imprinting results in preferential gene expression from paternally versus maternally inherited chromosomes. We used a genome-wide approach to uncover sex-specific parent-of-origin allelic effects in the adult mouse brain. Our study identified preferential selection of the maternally inherited X chromosome in glutamatergic neurons of the female cortex. Moreover, analysis of the cortex and hypothalamus identified 347 autosomal genes with sex-specific imprinting features. In the hypothalamus, sex-specific imprinted genes were mostly found in females, which suggests parental influence over the hypothalamic function of daughters. We show that interleukin-18, a gene linked to diseases with sex-specific prevalence, is subject to complex, regional, and sex-specific parental effects in the brain. Parent-of-origin effects thus provide new avenues for investigation of sexual dimorphism in brain function and disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles*
  • Animals
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Dioxygenases
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genes, X-Linked*
  • Genomic Imprinting*
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Interleukin-18 / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Oxygenases / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Prefrontal Cortex / cytology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism*
  • Preoptic Area / cytology
  • Preoptic Area / metabolism*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / genetics
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • X Chromosome Inactivation

Substances

  • Interleukin-18
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Ribosomal Proteins
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Oxygenases
  • Dioxygenases
  • Bco2 protein, mouse
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE22131