Population variability in X-chromosome inactivation across 10 mammalian species.

ABSTRACT: One of the two X-chromosomes in female mammals is epigenetically silenced in embryonic stem cells by X-chromosome inactivation. This creates a mosaic of cells expressing either the maternal or the paternal X allele. The X-chromosome inactivation ratio, the proportion of inactivated parental alleles, varies widely among individuals, representing the largest instance of epigenetic variability within mammalian populations. While various contributing factors to X-chromosome inactivation variability are recognized, namely stochastic and/or genetic effects, their relative contributions are poorly understood. This is due in part to limited cross-species analysis, making it difficult to distinguish between generalizable or species-specific mechanisms for X-chromosome inactivation ratio variability

SUBMITTER: Werner JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11487087 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature