In: Biology
Insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (Igf2r) gene is expressed exclusively from the maternal allele on chromosome 17 due to
A. differential methylation of an Igf2r intron.
B. differential expression of an antisense RNA transcript.
C. transposition of the maternal copy of Igf2r.
D. methylation of an imprinting control region.
Answer ) A. differential methylation of an Igf2r intron.
EXPLANATION
Genomic imprinting is a phenomenon characterized by parent-of-origin-specific expression. The imprint is a mark established during germ-cell development to distinguish between the paternal and maternal copies of the imprinted genes.
The insulin-like growth factor II receptor (Igf2r), also known as the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor, which is present on the 17 chromosome. The maternal allele is expressed exclusively while paternally derived allele is inactive.
Two regions of the mouse Igf2r gene are differentially methylated on the parental chromosomes thus serve as epigenetic marks regulating genomic imprinting .