Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon by which the expression of a gene is determined by its parent-of-origin. Because of its nature of the differential gene expression of maternally and paternally derived chromosome, the parental genomes are not functionally equivalent. In flowering plants, a theory predicts that imprinted genes are involved in endosperm development, apomixes and reproductive isolation. Therefore, comprehensive analysis for genomic imprinting is essential to elucidate these biological processes.
In Arabidopsis, it has been known four imprinted genes, MEDEA, FWA, FIS2 and PHERESS. All of these genes are well-studied regulatory mechanisms of epigenetic modification leading to mono-allelic expression. Although DNA methylation is a key determinant for genomic imprinting in both mammals and plants, the mechanism controlling it is different. I will summarize recent progress of genomic imprinting in plants, and report current genetic approach toward further understanding of epigenetic regulation.
