The (epi)genetic control of mammalian X-chromosome inactivation.
In mammals, the X chromosome is uniquely capable of complete inactivation. Research in the past two years has validated the long-held hypothesis that the 'X-inactivation center' (Xic) controls events of X inactivation and that its resident gene Xist is not only required but is at least partially responsible for the cis-restriction of X inactivation. Progress has also been made in identifying genes within the Xic. Although Xist remains the only known required element, evidence now suggests that a separate element for X counting must exist and that the Xic may be entirely contained within a 450 kb sequence. This small region may be sufficient for both initiation and establishment of X inactivation.
Lee
J T
JT
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA.
Jaenisch
R
R
D000818:Animals; D004303:Dosage Compensation, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014960:X Chromosome
D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D014157:Transcription Factors; C077885:XIST non-coding RNA