Work

A new model for random X chromosome inactivation

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: X chromosome inactivation (XCI) reduces the number of actively transcribed X chromosomes to one per diploid set of autosomes, allowing for dosage equality between the sexes. In eutherians, the inactive X chromosome in XX females is randomly selected. The mechanisms for determining both how many X chromosomes are present and which to inactivate are unknown. To understand these mechanisms, researchers have created X chromosome mutations and transgenes. Here, we introduce a new model of X chromosome inactivation that aims to account for the findings in recent studies, to promote a re-interpretation of existing data and to direct future experiments.

Source: Development

DOI: 10.1242/dev.025908

Authors: Joshua Starmer, Terry Magnuson

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Center for Research Resources, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Awards: A Carolina Center to Characterize and Maintain Mutant Mice, ALBINO DELETION COMPLEX AND EARLY MOUSE DEVELOPMENT