Efficiency of Xist-mediated silencing on autosomes is linked to chromosomal domain organisation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

X chromosome inactivation, the mechanism used by mammals to equalise dosage of X-linked genes in XX females relative to XY males, is triggered by chromosome-wide localisation of a cis-acting non-coding RNA, Xist. The mechanism of Xist RNA spreading and Xist-dependent silencing is poorly understood. A large body of evidence indicates that silencing is more efficient on the X chromosome than on autosomes, leading to the idea that the X chromosome has acquired sequences that facilitate propagation of silencing. LINE-1 (L1) repeats are relatively enriched on the X chromosome and have been proposed as candidates for these sequences. To determine the requirements for efficient silencing we have analysed the relationship of chromosome features, including L1 repeats, and the ext

SUBMITTER: Tang YA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2873326 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature