Paternalgenomet

Paternalgenomet is a term that arose in the early 2020s to describe a methodology for isolating and analyzing genetic material that originates exclusively from the father in mammalian embryos. The concept builds on decades of research into genomic imprinting, where DNA methylation and histone modifications create parent-of-origin specific gene expression patterns. Paternalgenomet leverages advanced single‑cell sequencing and epigenetic profiling technologies to differentiate paternal alleles from maternal ones without the need for inbred strain backgrounds.

The approach was first demonstrated in a proof‑of‑concept study conducted in mouse embryos, where researchers successfully mapped paternal allele expression across developmental stages using a combination of allele‑specific RNA‑seq and CRISPR‑based allele tagging. Subsequent work extended the method to human induced pluripotent stem cells, providing insights into paternal contributions to neural development and the embryonic response to environmental stressors.

Paternalgenomet has implications for reproductive biotechnology, allowing clinicians to assess paternal genetic quality and detect de‑novo mutations that might be missed in conventional pre‑implantation genetic screening. It also offers a tool for studying the mechanisms of genomic imprinting disorders such as Prader–Willi and Angelman syndrome, and it may enhance the development of personalized medicine strategies by distinguishing paternal from maternal allele activity.

While the technique is still subject to refinement and regulatory scrutiny, its pioneering nature highlights the growing importance of epigenetic and parent‑of‑origin considerations in genetics and reproductive health.