Genomic imprinting in the brain.

Human genetic studies have directed attention to genetic imprinting in a number of syndromes involving brain dysfunction, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Turner's syndrome, bipolar depression and schizophrenia. Molecular genetics is providing insights into the complexity of these imprinting mechanisms, while experimental studies are revealing the differential roles that maternal and paternal genomes may play in brain development and growth.