X chromosome inactivation and the Xist gene

Recent years have seen rapid progress towards understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in X chromosome inactivation (X inactivation). This progress has largely revolved around the discovery of the X inactive specific transcript (Xist) gene, which is known now to represent the master switch lo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS 1998-01, Vol.54 (1), p.104-112
Main Authors: Brockdorff, N, Duthie, S M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Chromosomes
Dosage Compensation, Genetic
Gene expression
Imprinting, Psychological
Inactivation
Molecular biology
Ribonucleic acid
RNA
RNA, Long Noncoding
RNA, Untranslated
Transcription Factors - genetics
X Chromosome - genetics
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Summary:Recent years have seen rapid progress towards understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in X chromosome inactivation (X inactivation). This progress has largely revolved around the discovery of the X inactive specific transcript (Xist) gene, which is known now to represent the master switch locus regulating X inactivation. In adult cells Xist is transcribed exclusively from the inactive X chromosome. The transcript has no apparent protein-coding potential and is retained in the nucleus in close association with the domain occupied by the inactive X chromosome. It is thus thought to represent a functional RNA molecule which acts as the primary signal responsible for the propagation of X inactivation. Developmental regulation of Xist correlates with the developmental timing of X inactivation. Recent results have demonstrated that Xist is both necessary and sufficient for X inactivation. Goals for the future are to understand the mechanism of Xist regulation which underlies the establishment of appropriate X inactivation patterns and to determine how Xist RNA participates in the process of propagating inactivation in cis.
ISSN:1420-682X
1420-9071
DOI:10.1007/s000180050129