Neuroendocrinology Briefings 16

Genomic Imprinting, Hormones and Behaviour

Isles, Anthony R
Wilkinson, Lawrence S

Neurobiology and Developmental, Genetics Programmes, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK

All communications to the editor Dr R John Bicknell, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB2 4AT, UK

The full Neuroendocrinology Briefings series can be viewed at website: http://www.neuroendo.org.uk

The Briefings series is intended as a resource to be freely used for teaching and public communication to widen understanding of neuroendocrinology

Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5):p 425-426, May 2002.

SUMMARY

Imprinted genes are a recently discovered category of mammalian genes, some of which appear to target the neuroendocrine system. Whilst the detailed data are still emerging, it is likely that these genes will provide new insights into the genetics of neuroendocrine control. Understanding the links between imprinted genes and neuroendocrine functioning has implications for both normal and abnormal physiology and may provide further evidence for the notion that, at the molecular level, the sexes are engaged in a form of evolutionary competition.