Gene Silencing Mechanism Linked to PWS Focus of Early Study
The maternal SMCHD1 protein ensures genomic imprinting and the effective silencing of particular genes by protecting them from “gene-activating” proteins in the fertilized egg cell (or oocyte), according to a study in mice. Since SMCHD1’s gene silencing effects are known to contribute to Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), these findings may help…