DMMC Course: UNRAVELLING CHROMATIN & THE ROLE OF EPIGENETICS IN DISEASE

1700-1800 Wednesday 26 April 2006. UCD Conway Institute Lecture Theatre

Keynote Lecture: Imprinting & psychiatric disease
Prof David Skuse, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
Behavioural & Brain Sciences Unit

Imprinted genes are differentially expressed from maternal and paternal alleles, due to epigenetic modification, with consequent ‘parent-of-origin’ effects (POE) on phenotypic traits. There is increasing evidence that imprinted genes influence behavior and cognitive functioning. Recent research has suggested POE may influence susceptibility to autism and ADHD, which are significantly more common in males than females. X-linked imprinting effects on brain structure and function have been supported by studies of both human and rodent X-monosomy. Imprinted X-linked genes could contribute to sexual dimorphism in psychological traits such as impulsiveness and impaired reversal learning in males.