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Reply to: Explaining the X-linkage bias of placentally expressed genes

Nature Genetics volume 37, pages 3–4 (2005)Cite this article

In reply:

In our earlier work1, we found that genes with sex-biased expression profiles are enriched on the X chromosome in mouse. Moore et al. suggest an alternative interpretation for a part of our data. In their correspondence, Moore et al. note correctly that, in essence, the genetic composition of placenta is not maternal but fetal. The main constituent of a mature placenta is extraembryonic trophoblasts of fetal origin2. Based on this genetic inhomogeneity of the placenta, Moore and coauthors claim that the placentally expressed genes cannot be considered 'female' and suggest an alternative explanation for the overrepresentation of these genes on the X chromosome based on the conflict theory of imprinting3.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5 Memorial Dr., Bethesda, 20892, Maryland, USA

    Pavel P Khil & R Daniel Camerini-Otero

Authors
  1. Pavel P Khil
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  2. R Daniel Camerini-Otero
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R Daniel Camerini-Otero.

Supplementary information

Supplementary Fig. 1

Genes expressed in female-specific tissues in mouse are enriched on chromosome X.

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Khil, P., Camerini-Otero, R. Reply to: Explaining the X-linkage bias of placentally expressed genes. Nat Genet 37, 3–4 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0105-3b

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