X inactivation and the complexities of silencing a sex chromosome.
X chromosome inactivation represents a paradigm for monoallelic gene expression and epigenetic regulation in mammals. Since its discovery over half a century ago, the pathways involved in the establishment of X-chromosomal silencing, assembly, and maintenance of the heterochromatic state have been the subjects of intensive research. In placental mammals, it is becoming clear that X inactivation involves an interplay between noncoding transcripts such as Xist, chromatin modifiers, and factors involved in nuclear organization. Together these result in a changed chromatin structure and in the spatial reorganization of the X chromosome. Exciting new work is starting to uncover the factors involved in some of these changes. Recent studies have also revealed surprising diversity in the kinetics and extent of gene silencing across the X chromosome, as well as in the mechanisms of XCI between mammals.
Chow
Jennifer
J
Mammalian Developmental Epigenetics Group, Institut Curie, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM 934, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France. Jennifer.Chow@curie.fr
Heard
Edith
E
D000818:Animals; D020868:Gene Silencing; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics; D014960:X Chromosome; D049951:X Chromosome Inactivation
D022661:RNA, Untranslated