Multiple elements within the Xic regulate random X inactivation in mice.
In female mammals, the majority of the genes on one of the two X-chromosomes are silenced by a process referred to as X-chromosome inactivation. The X-inactivation center (Xic), a complex genomic region on the X-chromosome which controls this process, contains the Xist gene encoding an untranslated RNA which plays a central role in the establishment of the transcriptional repression. The Xic encrypts a sophisticated program which coordinates X inactivation with sex and embryonic development. The present article reviews our current knowledge of the regulatory elements lying within the mouse Xic and of the mechanisms underlying random X inactivation.
Clerc
Philippe
P
Génétique Moléculaire Murine, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris 75015, France. pclerc@pasteur.fr
Avner
Philip
P
D000818:Animals; D004303:Dosage Compensation, Genetic; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice / Q000235:genetics*; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D014157:Transcription Factors; C465658:Tsix transcript, mouse; C077885:XIST non-coding RNA