title: Fitting the Puzzle Pieces: the Bigger Picture of XCI.
abstract: X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a mammalian-specific process initiated in all female cells, leading to one inactivated X chromosome. The robust nature of XCI, and the complex mechanisms involved in directing this process, makes XCI an important model system to study all aspects of gene regulation. XCI is divided into distinct phases: initiation, establishment, and maintenance of the inactive X (Xi). Recent studies shed important new light on the mechanisms directing all three phases of XCI. These findings include new regulatory pathways in XCI initiation, and the identification of a plethora of new factors involved in establishing and maintaining the Xi. In this review, we will highlight and discuss these new findings in the bigger picture of XCI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam, CN 3015 The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maduro
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam, CN 3015 The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bas
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: de Hoon
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam, CN 3015 The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.gribnau@erasmusmc.nl.
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gribnau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D049951:X Chromosome Inactivation
keywords: Barr body; Spen; X chromosome inactivation (XCI); X-pairing; Xist; chromatin; epigenetics; gene regulation