Igf2

Definition

igf2, or insulin-like growth factor 2, is a gene that plays a crucial role in fetal growth and development by regulating cell growth and metabolism. It is also important in the context of certain genetic phenomena, as its expression is influenced by genomic imprinting, where only one allele of the gene is expressed depending on its parental origin. This makes igf2 an important example of how gene expression can be modulated beyond traditional Mendelian inheritance patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The igf2 gene is located on chromosome 11 in humans and encodes a protein that is crucial for normal growth and development during fetal stages.
2. In normal conditions, igf2 is expressed from the paternal allele while the maternal allele is typically silenced, showcasing genomic imprinting.
3. Alterations in igf2 expression have been linked to various growth disorders, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and certain cancers.
4. igf2 interacts with other hormones and growth factors to regulate processes like cell division and differentiation, emphasizing its role in growth regulation.
5. Research has shown that environmental factors, such as nutrition and maternal health, can influence the epigenetic regulation of igf2 during development.

Review Questions

• How does the expression pattern of igf2 illustrate the concept of genomic imprinting?
  • The expression of igf2 clearly illustrates genomic imprinting because it is primarily expressed from the paternal allele while the maternal allele is often silenced. This selective expression demonstrates how genes can have different phenotypic outcomes based on their parent of origin. It highlights a key deviation from Mendelian inheritance where both alleles would normally contribute equally to gene expression.
• Discuss the implications of altered igf2 expression in human health and development.
  • Altered expression of igf2 has significant implications for human health, particularly in developmental disorders like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which involves overgrowth and an increased risk of tumors. Furthermore, abnormal igf2 activity is associated with certain cancers due to its role in cell growth regulation. Understanding these links provides insight into potential therapeutic targets and the importance of precise gene regulation during development.
• Evaluate the role of environmental factors on the epigenetic regulation of igf2 during fetal development and its potential impact on long-term health.
  • Environmental factors such as maternal nutrition, stress, and overall health can significantly influence the epigenetic regulation of igf2 during fetal development. These influences may alter gene expression patterns that impact growth trajectories and metabolic programming. Consequently, such epigenetic modifications could have lasting effects on an individual's health, predisposing them to conditions like obesity or diabetes later in life due to inappropriate developmental cues linked to igf2.

Related terms

Genomic Imprinting: A genetic phenomenon where genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, leading to the silencing of one allele while the other is active.

Mendelian Inheritance: The basic principles of heredity established by Gregor Mendel, which describe how traits are inherited through dominant and recessive alleles.

Epigenetics: The study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, often influenced by environmental factors.