DNA
Scientists have discovered a gene that defies conventional rules, with the copies inherited from the mother and father working in two very different ways. All animals have two copies of each gene: one inherited from each parent. For most genes, both copies are active, but for some genes, one copy is switched off, a process called imprinting. The study the copy from the father is only active in the brain, whilst the maternal copy is active in all other parts of the body. Dr Mike Cowley, from the Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics at King's, worked on the project as part of his PhD at the University of Bath. Working with scientists at Cardiff University, the team found that the two copies of the gene have very different functions: the maternal copy is involved in foetal growth, metabolism and fat storage, whereas the paternal one regulates social behaviour in adults. The researchers found that mice lacking the paternally-inherited gene were more domineering, over-grooming their companions and being more assertive than those with the active gene.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
