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PubMed2001

Henry Friesen Award Lecture. Work, the clinician-scientist and human biochemical genetics.

The pursuit of human biochemical genetics has allowed us to understand better how the person with the (genetic) disease differs from the disease the person has and to develop the concept that genetics belongs in all aspects of health care. It is a perspective that comes quite readily to the clinician-scientist, and the restoration of that "species" in the era of functional genomics is strongly recommended. Garrod, the initial founder of human "biochemical genetics" belonged to the clinician-scientist community. Archibald Edward Garrod introduced a paradigm, new for its day, in medicine: biochemistry is dynamic and different from the static nature of organic chemistry. It led him to think about metabolic pathways and to recognize that variation in Mendelian heredity could explain an "inborn error of metabolism." At the time, Garrod had no idea about the nature of a gene. Genes are now well understood; genomes are being described for one organism after another (including Homo sapiens) and it is understood that genomes "speak biochemistry (not phenotype)." Accordingly, in the era of genomics, biochemistry and physiology become the bases of functional genomics, and it is possible to appreciate why "nothing in biology makes sense without evolution" (and nothing in medicine will make sense without biology). Mendelian, biochemical and molecular genetics together have revealed what lies behind the 4 canonical inborn errors described by Garrod (albinisn, alkaptonuria, cystinuria and pentosuria). Both older and newer ideas in genetics, new tools for applying them (and renewed respect for the clinician-scientist) will enhance our understanding of the human biological variation that accounts for variant states of health and overt disease. A so-called monogenic phenotype (phenylketonuria) is used to illustrate, in some detail, that all disease phenotypes are, in one way or another, likely to be complex in nature. What can be known and what ought to be done, with knowledge about human genetics, to benefit individuals, families and communities (society), is both opportunity and challenge.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Full-genome RNAi profiling of early embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.

A key challenge of functional genomics today is to generate well-annotated data sets that can be interpreted across different platforms and technologies. Large-scale functional genomics data often fail to connect to standard experimental approaches of gene characterization in individual laboratories. Furthermore, a lack of universal annotation standards for phenotypic data sets makes it difficult to compare different screening approaches. Here we address this problem in a screen designed to identify all genes required for the first two rounds of cell division in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. We used RNA-mediated interference to target 98% of all genes predicted in the C. elegans genome in combination with differential interference contrast time-lapse microscopy. Through systematic annotation of the resulting movies, we developed a phenotypic profiling system, which shows high correlation with cellular processes and biochemical pathways, thus enabling us to predict new functions for previously uncharacterized genes.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) during porcine embryo development.

Functional genomics provides a powerful means for delving into the molecular mechanisms involved in pre-implantation development of porcine embryos. High rates of embryonic mortality (30%), following either natural mating or artificial insemination, emphasise the need to improve the efficiency of reproduction in the pig. The poor success rate of live offspring from in vitro-manipulated pig embryos also hampers efforts to generate transgenic animals for biotechnology applications. Previous analysis of differential gene expression has demonstrated stage-specific gene expression for in vivo-derived embryos and altered gene expression for in vitro-derived embryos. However, the methods used to date examine relatively few genes simultaneously and, thus, provide an incomplete glimpse of the physiological role of these genes during embryogenesis. The present review will focus on two aspects of applying functional genomics research strategies for analysing the expression of genes during elongation of pig embryos between gestational day (D) 11 and D12. First, we compare and contrast current methodologies that are being used for gene discovery and expression analysis during pig embryo development. Second, we establish a paradigm for applying serial analysis of gene expression as a functional genomics tool to obtain preliminary information essential for discovering the physiological mechanisms by which distinct embryonic phenotypes are derived.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Structure-based prediction of insertion-site preferences of transposons into chromosomes.

Mobile genetic elements with the ability to integrate genetic information into chromosomes can cause disease over short periods of time and shape genomes over eons. These elements can be used for functional genomics, gene transfer and human gene therapy. However, their integration-site preferences, which are critically important for these uses, are poorly understood. We analyzed the insertion sites of several transposons and retroviruses to detect patterns of integration that might be useful for prediction of preferred integration sites. Initially we found that a mathematical description of DNA-deformability, called V(step), could be used to distinguish preferential integration sites for Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposons into a particular 100 bp region of a plasmid [G. Liu, A. M. Geurts, K. Yae, A. R. Srinivassan, S. C. Fahrenkrug, D. A. Largaespada,J. Takeda, K. Horie, W. K. Olson and P. B. Hackett (2005) J. Mol. Biol., 346, 161-173 ]. Based on these findings, we extended our examination of integration of SB transposons into whole plasmids and chromosomal DNA. To accommodate sequences up to 3 Mb for these analyses, we developed an automated method, ProTIS, that can generate profiles of predicted integration events. However, a similar approach did not reveal any structural pattern of DNA that could be used to predict favored integration sites for other transposons as well as retroviruses and lentiviruses due to a limitation of available data sets. Nonetheless, ProTIS has the utility for predicting likely SB transposon integration sites in investigator-selected regions of genomes and our general strategy may be useful for other mobile elements once a sufficiently high density of sites in a single region are obtained. ProTIS analysis can be useful for functional genomic, gene transfer and human gene therapy applications using the SB system.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

High-throughput cell-based assays in yeast.

With the sequencing of many genomes now completed, biologists are faced with the challenge of deciphering the function and association of an immense number of predicted proteins. Comprehension of the networks of proteins and chemicals that comprise the cells and tissues of an organism, and the specific roles of proteins in these networks, will be a necessary next step to understanding cellular function in healthy and diseased states. In the past decade, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has emerged as an important tool for large-scale functional genomics analyses. This review describes the use of yeast cell-based assays in the post-genomic era, focusing on high-throughput functional genomics and drug discovery.

Biological Assay↗
PubMed2026

Genomic and functional characterization of sugar transporters reveals potential roles in sugar accumulation in a modern sugarcane cultivar.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a globally important sugar crop whose productivity depends on efficient sugar transport from source to sink organs. However, systematic identification and functional characterization of sugar transporters (STs) in sugarcane cultivars remain limited. Here, we identified 190 non-redundant ST genes in sugarcane cultivar Guitang 42 (GT42) and phylogenetically classified them into nine groups within the Monosaccharide Transporter (MST), Sucrose Transporter (SUT), and Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) families. Comparative evolutionary analysis revealed significant lineage-specific expansions in the PMT, STP subfamilies, and SWEET families compared to diploid and wild relatives, likely driven by polyploidization and intensive selection for sugar yield. Transcriptomic profiling across tissues and internode elongation stages demonstrated marked tissue-specific and developmental expression patterns. Yeast complementation assays confirmed the transport activity of candidate MSTs, SUTs and SWEETs, with confocal microscopy verifying their distinct subcellular localization at the plasma membrane, tonoplast, or endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, transient overexpression of several candidate transporters (ScSWEET4-T2, ScSWEET15, and ScTST4-T1) in Nicotiana benthamiana modulated soluble sugar accumulation, and their expression in sugarcane protoplasts activated key sugar-responsive marker genes (ScGPT2 and ScWIP4). Together, our study establishes a systematic genomic framework and identifies candidate functional transporters that govern sugar partitioning and storage, providing valuable genetic targets for molecular breeding and quality enhancement in sugarcane.

Functional characterization↗
PubMed2002

Inferring protein function from genomic sequence: Giardia lamblia expresses a phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase similar to yeast and mammalian TOR.

Functional assays of genes have historically led to insights about the activities of a protein or protein cascade. However, the rapid expansion of genomic and proteomic information for a variety of diverse taxa is an alternative and powerful means of predicting function by comparing the enzymes and metabolic pathways used by different organisms. As part of the Giardia lamblia genome sequencing project, we routinely survey the complement of predicted proteins and compare those found in this putatively early diverging eukaryote with those of prokaryotes and more recently evolved eukaryotic lineages. Such comparisons reveal the minimal composition of conserved metabolic pathways, suggest which proteins may have been acquired by lateral transfer, and, by their absence, hint at functions lost in the transition from a free-living to a parasitic lifestyle. Here, we describe the use of bioinformatic approaches to investigate the complement and conservation of proteins in Giardia involved in the regulation of translation. We compare an FK506 binding protein homologue and phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase present in Giardia to those found in other eukaryotes for which complete genomic sequence data are available. Our investigation of the Giardia genome suggests that PIK-related kinases are of ancient origin and are highly conserved.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

The most deviated codon position in AT-rich bacterial genomes: a function related analysis.

We have performed systematic study on more than 120 archaeal and bacterial genomes. Based on the index proposed in the current paper, clear patterns are observed showing the relation between the base compositional deviation at three codon positions and the genomic GC content. For AT-rich genomes, the Most Deviated Codon Position (MDCP) is the 1st codon position, while for GC-rich genomes, MDCP appears at the 2nd or 3rd codon position alternatively. According to MDCP, the CDSs of a genome can be classified into two types: typical and atypical. In AT-rich genomes the typical represent the majority and account for about 3/4 of all the CDSs. Based on the functional classification of COG database, the two types of CDSs are examined. An apparent bias of distribution is observed that the CDSs with the function of 'information processing' are more likely to present in typical type.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2000

Complete nucleotide sequence of the chiba virus genome and functional expression of the 3C-like protease in Escherichia coli.

We cloned the genome RNA of the Chiba virus (ChV; Hu/NLV/Chiba 407/1987/JP) and determined its complete nucleotide sequence. The genome is predicted to be a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA of 7697 bases, excluding a poly(A) tract. Comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences with those of other members of the species Norwalk virus (NV) revealed that ChV belongs to genogroup I NV. The ChV genome contains three open reading frames (ORFs). A large 5'-terminal ORF (ORF1) encodes a polyprotein with 1785 amino acids that are likely processed into functional proteins, including RNA helicase, VPg, protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. ORF2 encodes the capsid protein with 544 amino acids, and a small 3'-terminal ORF (ORF3) encodes a basic protein with 208 amino acids. The amino acid sequences of five cleavage sites in ORF1 are highly conserved compared with those of other members of NV. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein of the ChV protease connected via a short peptide containing a human rhinovirus 3C protease cleavage site was cleaved into GST and the protease; however, this cleavage did not occur when the Cys mutation was introduced into the putative active site of the protease. Moreover, the ChV protease recognized and cleaved the predicted proteolytic sites between VPg and protease and between protease and RNA polymerase. Therefore, the ChV protease expressed in E. coli retained an enzymatic activity and a substrate specificity similar to that of the human rhinovirus 3C protease.

3C Viral Proteases↗
PubMed2005

The eukaryotic Pso2/Snm1/Artemis proteins and their function as genomic and cellular caretakers.

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) represent a major threat to the genomic stability of eukaryotic cells. DNA repair mechanisms such as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) are responsible for the maintenance of eukaryotic genomes. Dysfunction of one or more of the many protein complexes that function in NHEJ can lead to sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, apoptosis, genomic instability, and severe combined immunodeficiency. One protein, Pso2p, was shown to participate in the repair of DSBs induced by DNA inter-strand cross-linking (ICL) agents such as cisplatin, nitrogen mustard or photo-activated bi-functional psoralens. The molecular function of Pso2p in DNA repair is unknown, but yeast and mammalian cell line mutants for PSO2 show the same cellular responses as strains with defects in NHEJ, e.g., sensitivity to ICLs and apoptosis. The Pso2p human homologue Artemis participates in V(D)J recombination. Mutations in Artemis induce a variety of immunological deficiencies, a predisposition to lymphomas, and an increase in chromosomal aberrations. In order to better understand the role of Pso2p in the repair of DSBs generated as repair intermediates of ICLs, an in silico approach was used to characterize the catalytic domain of Pso2p, which led to identification of novel Pso2p homologues in other organisms. Moreover, we found the catalytic core of Pso2p fused to different domains. In plants, a specific ATP-dependent DNA ligase I contains the catalytic core of Pso2p, constituting a new DNA ligase family, which was named LIG6. The possible functions of Pso2p/Artemis/Lig6p in NHEJ and V(D)J recombination and in other cellular metabolic reactions are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Genetically encoded sensors for metabolites.

BACKGROUND: Metabolomics, i.e., the multiparallel analysis of metabolite changes occurring in a cell or an organism, has become feasible with the development of highly efficient mass spectroscopic technologies. Functional genomics as a standard tool helped to identify the function of many of the genes that encode important transporters and metabolic enzymes over the past few years. Advanced expression systems and analysis technologies made it possible to study the biochemical properties of the corresponding proteins in great detail. We begin to understand the biological functions of the gene products by systematic analysis of mutants using systematic PTGS/RNAi, knockout and TILLING approaches. However, one crucial set of data especially relevant in the case of multicellular organisms is lacking: the knowledge of the spatial and temporal profiles of metabolite levels at cellular and subcellular levels. METHODS: We therefore developed genetically encoded nanosensors for several metabolites to provide a basic set of tools for the determination of cytosolic and subcellular metabolite levels in real time by using fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Prototypes of these sensors were successfully used in vitro and also in vivo, i.e., to measure sugar levels in fungal and animal cells. CONCLUSIONS: One of the future goals will be to expand the set of sensors to a wider spectrum of substrates by using the natural spectrum of periplasmic binding proteins from bacteria and by computational design of proteins with altered binding pockets in conjunction with mutagenesis. This toolbox can then be applied for four-dimensional imaging of cells and tissues to elucidate the spatial and temporal distribution of metabolites as a discovery tool in functional genomics, as a tool for high-throughput, high-content screening for drugs, to test metabolic models, and to analyze the interplay of cells in a tissue or organ.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Modelling the evolution of genomes with integrated external and internal functions.

The genomes that organisms transmit between generations contain information about different kinds of functions. The genome with the "best" mix and number of genes for these functions is the one that natural selection favours. Here I introduce a new way to model simple organisms with genes for external and internal functions, and use it to study the evolution of genome size. The external functions are exemplified by resource use and the internal functions by mutation control (repair). It is shown that even with a suitable proportion of genes for mutation control, the genomes in the organisms do not forever incorporate genes that increase resource use. Instead they evolve towards an optimal genome of limited size. The optimal proportion of genes for mutation control is shown to have an upper limit given by the ease with which transmission accuracy is improved by adding extra genes for this purpose to the genome. The model illustrates how natural selection on genomes integrates systems for the transmission of genetic information with systems relating to the external adaptation of the organism. It also opens up for other, more detailed theoretical investigations of genome functions.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2026

Genomic and functional characterization of ST11-KL64 hypervirulence-associated carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae co-harboring bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-13.

BACKGROUND: Hypervirulence-associated carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) is a major clinical and public health threat. However, ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP co-harboring bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-13 remains poorly characterized, particularly regarding genomic relatedness, plasmid dynamics, and attenuated virulence-associated phenotypes. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated clinical K. pneumoniae isolates collected at a tertiary hospital in Chengdu, China, between January and December 2024. Hypervirulence-associated markers were screened by PCR, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement assay to identify genotype-defined hv-CRKP. All isolates were subjected to molecular typing. ST11-KL64 isolates co-harboring bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-13 were subjected to Illumina sequencing, with the representative isolate K3 undergoing hybrid whole-genome sequencing and functional characterization. RESULTS: Among the 46 hvKP isolates recovered from 43 patients, 35 were identified as hv-CRKP, predominantly ST11-KL64. Three ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP isolates co-harbored bla KPC-2/bla NDM-13, and Illumina sequencing coupled with core-genome SNP (cgSNP) typing revealed minimal genetic variation. The expanded cgSNP analysis supported close relatedness between K3 and Beijing isolate K56649. K3 carried a pLVPK-like virulence plasmid, a bla KPC-2-bearing IncFII/IncR plasmid, and a bla NDM-13-bearing IncI1 plasmid. Relative to pK2044, K3 exhibited an rmpA-proximal ISKpn26-associated insertion and a complex alteration of the 5'-terminal coding region of rmpA. The bla NDM-13 plasmid was conjugatively transferred to Escherichia coli C600 with a mean conjugation frequency of 5.213 × 10-3 transconjugants per recipient cell and bla NDM-13 maintained high stability following approximately 100 generations of antibiotic-free passage, whereas bla KPC-2 was not detected under the tested conditions. Phenotypically, K3 showed a negative string test, low mucoviscosity, and attenuated virulence-associated phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that the three isolates formed a closely related local genomic cluster, among which K3 was closely related to the K56649 clone. In addition, K3 exhibited conjugative transfer capacity of the bla NDM-13-bearing IncI1 plasmid, and alterations at the rmpA locus accompanied by reduced rmpA transcript abundance were associated with low mucoviscosity.

IncI1 plasmid↗
PubMed2003

[Optimization of T-dNA insertional mutagenesis and analysis of mutants of Magnaporthe grisea].

The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea causes one of the most destructive diseases of rice around the world. Significant progresses have been made recently in genomics studies of the fungus, opening new era of the functional genomics which requires to generate a large scale of gene knockout mutants. It has been demonstrated that T-DNA insertional mutagenesis is a powerful tool of functional genomics not only for plants but also for fungi. In this paper, we optimized the conditions for T-DNA insertional mutagenesis of M. grisea using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) approach. We employed the binary vector pBHtl constructed by Dr. S. Kang's laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University, which carries the bacterial hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene (hph) under the control of the Aspergillus nidulans trpC promoter as a selectable marker to transform the conidia of M. grisea. We optimized the conditions for T-DNA insertional mutagenesis including the medium, dosage of hygromycin B, cefotaxime and carbenicillin to select the transformants and inhibit the growth of A. tumefaciens after co-culturing. The dosage to inhibit non-transformants could vary from 200-600microg/mL among different M. grisea isolates so that the optimal dosage of the antibiotics should be decided according to isolates. Rice polished agar medium was found the best selection medium which would facilitate the mutant sporulation and minimize the contamination chance. In average, about 500 transformants could be obtained when transforming 1 x 10(6) spores at the optimum condition, among which 85% had T-DNA insertion detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR). Fifteen out of 1520 transformants showed mutation in colony morphology. Within 58 randomly selected mutants, it was found that there were 4 sporulation-decreased mutants, 8 less germination mutants and 9 appressorium defective mutants. Several virulent mutants to C101LAC(Pi-1)and 75-1-127(Pi-9)were also obtained which would facilitate cloning the corresponding avirulence genes.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗
PubMed2003

Bacteriophage T4 genome.

Phage T4 has provided countless contributions to the paradigms of genetics and biochemistry. Its complete genome sequence of 168,903 bp encodes about 300 gene products. T4 biology and its genomic sequence provide the best-understood model for modern functional genomics and proteomics. Variations on gene expression, including overlapping genes, internal translation initiation, spliced genes, translational bypassing, and RNA processing, alert us to the caveats of purely computational methods. The T4 transcriptional pattern reflects its dependence on the host RNA polymerase and the use of phage-encoded proteins that sequentially modify RNA polymerase; transcriptional activator proteins, a phage sigma factor, anti-sigma, and sigma decoy proteins also act to specify early, middle, and late promoter recognition. Posttranscriptional controls by T4 provide excellent systems for the study of RNA-dependent processes, particularly at the structural level. The redundancy of DNA replication and recombination systems of T4 reveals how phage and other genomes are stably replicated and repaired in different environments, providing insight into genome evolution and adaptations to new hosts and growth environments. Moreover, genomic sequence analysis has provided new insights into tail fiber variation, lysis, gene duplications, and membrane localization of proteins, while high-resolution structural determination of the "cell-puncturing device," combined with the three-dimensional image reconstruction of the baseplate, has revealed the mechanism of penetration during infection. Despite these advances, nearly 130 potential T4 genes remain uncharacterized. Current phage-sequencing initiatives are now revealing the similarities and differences among members of the T4 family, including those that infect bacteria other than Escherichia coli. T4 functional genomics will aid in the interpretation of these newly sequenced T4-related genomes and in broadening our understanding of the complex evolution and ecology of phages-the most abundant and among the most ancient biological entities on Earth.

Bacteriophage T4↗
PubMed2004

Genomic filtering: an approach to discovering novel antiparasitics.

Genomic filtering is a rapid approach to identifying and prioritizing molecular targets for drug discovery. For infectious disease applications, comparative genomics filters allow the selection of pathogen-specific gene products, whereas functional genomics filters, such as RNA interference (RNAi), allow the selection of gene products essential for pathogen survival. The approach is especially applicable to antiparasitic drug discovery where the phylogenetic distance between parasite and host make the likelihood of drug cross-toxicity due to conservation of molecular targets greater than for more distantly related pathogens such as prokaryotes. This article discusses some of the inherent challenges of applying genomics to the early steps of drug discovery and describes one successful comparative and functional genomics filtering strategy that has been implemented to prioritize molecular targets and identify chemical leads for nematode control.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Structure, function, and genomic organization of human Na(+)-dependent high-affinity dicarboxylate transporter.

We have cloned and functionally characterized the human Na(+)-dependent high-affinity dicarboxylate transporter (hNaDC3) from placenta. The hNaDC3 cDNA codes for a protein of 602 amino acids with 12 transmembrane domains. When expressed in mammalian cells, the cloned transporter mediates the transport of succinate in the presence of Na(+) [concentration of substrate necessary for half-maximal transport (K(t)) for succinate = 20+/-1 microM]. Dimethylsuccinate also interacts with hNaDC3. The Na(+)-to-succinate stoichiometry is 3:1 and concentration of Na(+) necessary for half-maximal transport (K(Na(+))(0.5)) is 49+/-1 mM as determined by uptake studies with radiolabeled succinate. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, hNaDC3 induces Na(+)-dependent inward currents in the presence of succinate and dimethylsuccinate. At a membrane potential of -50 mV, K(Suc)(0.5) is 102+/-20 microM and K(Na(+))(0.5) is 22+/-4 mM as determined by the electrophysiological approach. Simultaneous measurements of succinate-evoked charge transfer and radiolabeled succinate uptake in hNaDC3-expressing oocytes indicate a charge-to-succinate ratio of 1:1 for the transport process, suggesting a Na(+)-to-succinate stoichiometry of 3:1. pH titration of citrate-induced currents shows that hNaDC3 accepts preferentially the divalent anionic form of citrate as a substrate. Li(+) inhibits succinate-induced currents in the presence of Na(+). Functional analysis of rat-human and human-rat NaDC3 chimeric transporters indicates that the catalytic domain of the transporter lies in the carboxy-terminal half of the protein. The human NaDC3 gene is located on chromosome 20q12-13.1, as evidenced by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The gene is >80 kbp long and consists of 13 exons and 12 introns.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Genome organization, function, and imprinting in Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes.

The chromosomal region, 15q11-q13, involved in Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes (PWS and AS) represents a paradigm for understanding the relationships between genome structure, epigenetics, evolution, and function. The PWS/AS region is conserved in organization and function with the homologous mouse chromosome 7C region. However, the primate 4 Mb PWS/AS region is bounded by duplicons derived from an ancestral HERC2 gene and other sequences that may predispose to chromosome rearrangements. Within a 2 Mb imprinted domain, gene function depends on parental origin. Genetic evidence suggests that PWS arises from functional loss of several paternally expressed genes, including those that function as RNAs, and that AS results from loss of maternal UBE3A brain-specific expression. Imprinted expression is coordinately controlled in cis by an imprinting center (IC), a genetic element functional in germline and/or early postzygotic development that regulates the establishment of parental specific allelic differences in replication timing, DNA methylation, and chromatin structure.

Angelman Syndrome↗