Genomic Imprinting and Disease

Genomic imprinting is a genetic process where certain genes are expressed differently depending on whether they are inherited from the mother or father. This selective gene activation can influence development and health. When imprinting goes awry, it can lead to disorders such as Prader-Willi or Angelman syndrome, which involve physical, developmental, or neurological issues. These diseases occur because the balance of gene expression is disrupted, highlighting how parental origin of genes can have a significant impact on health. Understanding imprinting helps us learn how inherited genetic information can contribute to various diseases.