For a growing number of genes, only one of the two chromosomal copies (or alleles) is expressed, a phenomenon termed monoallelic expression. In some cases, there is random selection of the expressed allele; in others parental origin determines which allele is expressed, which is termed imprinting. Disorders with a genetic component in which either random monoallelic expression or imprinting may play a role include schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

Our goal is to understand the mechanism and extent of imprinting and monoallelic expression, and their possible relevance to inherited disorders, particularly those of the central nervous system. Towards this goal, we are studying a mouse locus corresponding to a human inherited mental retardation disorder known to involve imprinted genes, the Prader-Willi/Angelman Syndrome. We are also developing an assay that would make use of state-of-the-art microarray technology to probe for imprinting and monoallelic expression in the entire genome.