Random or stochastic monoallelic expressed genes are enriched for neurodevelopmental disorder candidate genes.

ABSTRACT: Random or stochastic monoallelic expressed genes (StMA genes) represent a unique form of monoallelic expression where allelic choice is made at random early in development. The consequential clonal diversity provides opportunity for functional heterozygosity in tissues such as the brain, and can impact on both development and disease. We investigate the relationship of StMA expressed genes previously identified in clonal neural stem cells with the neurodevelopmental disorders autism and schizophrenia. We found that StMA genes show an overrepresentation of schizophrenia risk candidates identified by genome wide association studies from the genetic association database. Similar suggestive enrichment was also found for genes from the NHGRI genome-wide association study catalog and a psychiatr

SUBMITTER: Jeffries AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3874034 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature