Genomic imprinting means that specific genes inherited from the mother or father are active, whilst the gene inherited from the other parent is inactive. This preferential expression of one allele is ...

For some developmental genes one allele must stay silent, otherwise debilitating syndromes and cancers can arise. Scientists have now uncovered a new imprinting mechanism cells use to keep these genes ...

Mothers leave their mark on their children in many ways - and researchers have discovered a protein called SMCHD1 is involved in this 'imprinting' process. SMCHD1 switches certain genes off, altering ...