imprinting control regions

Imprinting control regions (ICRs) are specific parts of DNA that regulate the activity of certain genes based on whether they are inherited from the mother or father. They act like molecular on/off switches, ensuring that only one version of a gene (from either parent) is active, while the other is silenced. This parent-specific gene expression, called imprinting, is crucial for normal development. ICRs achieve this by controlling epigenetic marks—chemical modifications that influence gene activity—ensuring balanced gene expression essential for health.