genomic imprinting

Definition of genomic imprinting

genomic imprinting

(jeh-NOH-mik im-PRIN-ting)
An epigenetic process resulting in the inactivation of an allele depending on which parent it was inherited from. Genomic imprinting can have clinical relevance because it may affect the expression of a gene mutation (i.e., the phenotype) in the offspring of an affected parent depending on which parent is passing on the mutation.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms