Why are monozygotic twins different?

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2011

Autores

Silva, S (Autor) Outra; Martins, Y (Autor) Outra; matias, a (Autor) FMUP; Blickstein, I (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: Journal of Perinatal Medicine

Vol. 39

Páginas: 195-202

ISSN: 0300-5577

Editora: Walter De Gruyter

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 38 Citações

Scopus - 51 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-002-TNH

DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2010.140

Abstract (EN): Although popularly designated as "identical'', monozygotic (MZ) twins are rarely identical. Much has been speculated on the origin of MZ twins and several theories have been proposed. Post-fertilization events, such as chromosomal mosaicism, skewed X-inactivation and imprinting mechanisms, as well as other epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for the differences between MZ twins. Numerous discordant MZ twins have been reported including discordance for lateral asymmetry, major malformation, growth and intrauterine death of the co-twin. This discrepancy may have long-term implications on complex diseases and their predisposition, organ transplantation and interpretation of twin-based studies. We reviewed the genotypic and phenotypic differences between MZ twins and discuss their main causes.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 8