X chromosome inactivation sparked by non-coding RNAs

RNA Biol. 2009 Apr-Jun;6(2):94-9. doi: 10.4161/rna.6.2.7716. Epub 2009 Apr 20.

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs regulate dosage compensation in mammals by controlling transcriptional silencing of one of the two X chromosomes in females. The two major transcripts involved in this process are Xist and its antisense counterpart Tsix. Expression of Xist and Tsix from the X inactivation center is mutually exclusive. Xist expression triggers chromosome wide silencing of the X chromosome from which it is transcribed. Tsix is a repressor of Xist and is specifically expressed from the other X chromosome, maintaining its activity. Here, we review non-coding RNAs that have been implicated in X chromosome inactivation. Focusing on the best studied transcripts Xist and Tsix we portray a current perspective on chromosome wide gene regulation by non-coding RNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / physiology*
  • X Chromosome Inactivation*

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • XIST non-coding RNA