Deletion of the XIST promoter from the human inactive X chromosome compromises polycomb heterochromatin maintenance.

ABSTRACT: Silencing most gene expression from all but one X chromosome in female mammals provides a means to overcome X-linked gene expression imbalances with males. Central to establishing gene silencing on the inactivated X chromosome are the actions of the long non-coding RNA XIST that triggers the repackaging of the chosen X into facultative heterochromatin. While understanding the mechanisms through which XIST expression is regulated and mediates its affects has been a major focus of research since its discovery, less is known about the role XIST plays in maintaining chromatin at the human inactive X chromosome (Xi). Here, we use genome engineering to delete the promoter of XIST to knockout expression from the Xi in non-cancerous diploid human somatic cells. Although some heterochromatin featur

SUBMITTER: Westervelt N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8429126 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature