Kovaleva N.V., Ivanov I.A.

Monozygous female twins discordant for a pattern of X chromosome inactivation as a model for study on X-linked intellectual traits

Cytology and Genetics 2005, v 39, number 6, 66-70

During the last decades, numerous genes for general cognitive ability were identified on human X-chromosome. They were discovered primarily because of X-linked mutations causing nonspecific mental retardation in males. Evidence for imprinted loci on the X chromosome affecting neurodevelopment was found in studies on 45,X females. Investigation of transmission of X-linked traits in normal individuals might further contribute to problem of shaping human being’s mind ability. We suggest monozygous female twins discordant for a parent-of-origin of the X chromosome inactivation to be a proper subject for such explorations.