SIGNIFICANCE OF GENE IMPRINTING IN LIFE OF BIOTA

Abstract

This review covers some important roles of gene imprinting in life of biota which is usually reflected on
their progeny. Gene imprnting is associated with different metabolism processes in plants and mammals. It
is also thought to be involved in hybrid vigor of crop plants, beside its association with crop adaptation to
tolerate abiotic and biotic stresses. In endospermic cereals, the ratio of 2:1 gene expression of maternal to
paternal genes is regulated via gene imprinting through developmental stages. The X-chromosome in some
insects is also controlled by gene imprinting. In human, the frequent of early loss of fetus in women is
related to gene imprint from the mother. Chronic diseases such as cancer, alzheimer, Parkinson, diabetes and
blood groups are related to direct gene impringting. Noncoding DNA (98.3%) has been known recently to be
related to human health and diseases. Noncoding different RNAs are also included in different cases of life
of biota. Researchers should re-check their results about many of previonly obtained conclusions in this
primely important topic