Random monoallelic expression: making a choice.
Monoallelic gene expression exposes an organism to the risks associated with the unmasking of recessive mutations. A recent study by Gimelbrant and colleagues, supported by results from two methodologically different studies, demonstrated that random monoallelic expression is surprisingly widespread among autosomal genes. This raises important questions about why, when and how cells choose and tolerate monoallelism and whether functional hemizygosity might provide an unappreciated advantage.
Krueger
Christel
C
Laboratory of Developmental Genetics and Imprinting, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK. christel.krueger@bbsrc.ac.uk
Morison
Ian M
IM
D000483:Alleles; D022981:Allelic Imbalance / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D018392:Genomic Imprinting / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D040582:Inheritance Patterns; D008954:Models, Biological; D013997:Time Factors