X chromosome inactivation, XIST, and pursuit of the X-inactivation center

Article Abstract:

Jeannie T. Lee, William M. Strauss, Jessica A. Dausman and Rudolf Jaenisch have developed a molecular confirmation of the X-inactivation center (XIC) and provided a direct demonstration that the XIC is a master control locus of the X-inactivation process. The XIST mouse homolog Xist was found to be expressed at low levels from undifferentiated X chromosomes in male and female embryonal stem cells, with the Xist RNA forming a local site over the XIC without spreading along the X. This suggests that X chromosomes are in a 'preinactivation' state before X inactivation and while genetically active in both male and female cells.

Genetic regulation

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Transient Xist-ence

Article Abstract:

One X chromosome is said to accumulate an Xist RNA for inactivation to be able to coexist with another X chromosome in the active state. Identification of the inactive X chromosome is done through applying threshold conditions to two X chromosomes where the future inactive X chromosome will separate and go to a different developmental pathway. However, the future inactive X is unstable and would need methylation to prevent it from transcribing continuously. The other X chromosome which is active will be unaffected with the methylation process.

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