Work

A functional role for Tsix transcription in blocking Xist RNA accumulation but not in X-chromosome choice

Year: 2001

Type: article

Abstract: In female mammals, up-regulation of Xist triggers X-chromosome inactivation in cis. Up-regulation is inhibited by sequences 3' to Xist contained within the antisense locus, Tsix. Inhibition could depend on transcription of Tsix and/or on DNA elements therein. Here we test the role of Tsix transcription by augmenting the duration and strength of Tsix expression. We find that Tsix hypertranscription is sufficient to block Xist RNA accumulation in a cis-limited manner. We propose that Tsix transcription is necessary to restrict Xist activity on the future active X and, conversely, that Tsix repression is required for Xist RNA accumulation on the future inactive X. We also find that Tsix hypertranscription does not affect X-chromosome choice. Thus, choice is mediated by elements within Tsix that are independent of promoter activity.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.171243598

Authors: Nicholas Stavropoulos, Naifung Lu, Jeannie T. Lee

Institutions: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2129578444

FWCI: 6.12

Cites: 31

Cited by: 185

Related to: 10