Genomes of identical twins start to diverge in the womb
Appeared in BioNews 1078
Identical twins may not in fact be genetically identical at birth, according to a new study by researchers in Iceland.
Researchers found that twin-specific genetic mutations could occur while embryos were still developing inside the womb. The team were also able to pinpoint at which stage in development the mutations occurred, by searching for them in relatives of the twins. The study provides new insights into how monozygotic or identical twins form from a single egg cell. These are exciting times that allow us to use mutations to shed light on the development of humans at these first stages, said Dr Kári Stefánsson, joint senior author and CEO of deCODE Genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland, where the research was carried out.