New study highlights parent-of-origin effects in genes

Findings indicate that genes can have differing impacts based on whether they come from the mother or the father.

Research reveals parent-of-origin effects in human genes

A recent study published in Nature highlights that the impact of certain genes can differ significantly based on their parent of origin. This research identifies at least 30 genes exhibiting such effects without needing genomic data from parents. For example, one genetic variant may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes if inherited from the father but lower it when inherited from the mother. Utilizing a novel statistical method, researchers analyzed data from nearly 109,000 individuals in the UK Biobank and confirmed their findings through additional datasets from Estonia and Norway. This approach sheds light on the complex interactions between maternal and paternal genes that can influence growth and metabolism.

The implications of these findings stretch beyond academic interest, potentially informing personalized medicine and treatment plans. Understanding how genes contribute differently based on their source adds a layer of complexity to genetic research. This study opens avenues for investigating disorders influenced by parent-of-origin effects, offering insights that could change how we view genomic risks and advantages. The research underscores the importance of considering gendered genetic inheritance models in future studies, which may lead to breakthrough revelations in genetics and health.

Highlights

Future research may explore more parent-of-origin effects in other diseases and conditions.