Genomic imprinting effects on brain and behavior: Future directions

Abstract

Studies over the last 15 years have indicated that genomic imprinting is important for brain function. However, much of the focus has been on the role that imprinted genes play in mediating fetal and early postnatal growth, and maternal behavior. Nevertheless, there is now a growing body of evidence to suggest that many imprinted genes are expressed in many different areas of the adult brain. Moreover, these genes also influence a wide range of behavior and aspects of cognition. Here, we provide an overview of these data and give pointers to interesting new aspects of imprinted gene function in the brain. We also discuss how genomic imprinting may have evolved in the human brain and the extent to which imprinted genes impact on mental illness. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.