Mouse <i>Peg9/Dlk1</i> and human <i>PEG9/DLK1</i> are paternally expressed imprinted genes closely located to the maternally expressed imprinted genes: mouse <i>Meg3/Gtl2</i> and human <i>MEG3</i>

Abstract

As DNA chip technology allows us to quickly screen a large number of genes, using this technology to search for imprinted genes could accelerate the identification of genes responsible for human and mouse genetic diseases. Dlk1 and DLK1, which encode transmembrane proteins, have six EGF-like repeats and show homology to the Delta gene in Drosophila melanogaster. Because of its homology to mammalian Delta homologues, PEG9/DLK1 may contribute to the scoliosis phenotype observed in maternal uniparental disomy 14 (mUPD14) patients.