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Related Concept Videos

X-inactivation01:58

X-inactivation

The human X chromosome contains over ten times the number of genes as in the Y chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, and females have two, one might expect females to produce twice as many of the proteins, with undesirable results.
X-Inactivation01:58

X-Inactivation

The human X chromosome contains over ten times the number of genes as in the Y chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, and females have two, one might expect females to produce twice as many of the proteins, with undesirable results.
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

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Comprehensive CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis identifies single-amino acid substitutions that abrogate SPEN function in X inactivation.

Nature communications·2026
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Mitochondrial metabolic imbalance drives diploidization in mouse haploid embryonic stem cells via NADPH overload.

Nature communications·2026
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Implication of the Mediator kinase module in CIZ1 recruitment and gene silencing by <i>Xist</i> during the initiation of X inactivation.

Epigenetics reports·2025
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Ubinuclein 2 is essential for mouse development and functions in X chromosome inactivation.

PLoS genetics·2025
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X inactivation shows frail ends when mice age.

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Phase separation paints Xi with Xist.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Non-random Mouse Model for Pharmacological Reactivation of Mecp2 on the Inactive X Chromosome
08:27

A Non-random Mouse Model for Pharmacological Reactivation of Mecp2 on the Inactive X Chromosome

Published on: May 22, 2019

X inactivation and disease.

Ruben Agrelo1, Anton Wutz

  • 1Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 7, 1030 Vienna, Austria.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|October 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary

X inactivation equalizes gene dosage between sexes by silencing one X chromosome in females. This review covers dosage compensation and Xist RNA function in disease.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Mammals exhibit dosage differences in X-linked genes between XX females and XY males.
  • X inactivation is a key dosage-compensation mechanism that equalizes gene expression between sexes.
  • This process involves the silencing of one X chromosome in female cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of X inactivation and dosage compensation.
  • To explore the role of Xist RNA in this process.
  • To discuss the implications of X inactivation and Xist function in the context of human diseases.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of existing literature.
  • It synthesizes findings from genetic and molecular biology research.

More Related Videos

Combined DNA-RNA Fluorescent In situ Hybridization (FISH) to Study X Chromosome Inactivation in Differentiated Female Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
15:54

Combined DNA-RNA Fluorescent In situ Hybridization (FISH) to Study X Chromosome Inactivation in Differentiated Female Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: June 14, 2014

Quick Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Protocol for Xist RNA Combined with Immunofluorescence of Histone Modification in X-chromosome Inactivation
12:42

Quick Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Protocol for Xist RNA Combined with Immunofluorescence of Histone Modification in X-chromosome Inactivation

Published on: November 26, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Non-random Mouse Model for Pharmacological Reactivation of Mecp2 on the Inactive X Chromosome
08:27

A Non-random Mouse Model for Pharmacological Reactivation of Mecp2 on the Inactive X Chromosome

Published on: May 22, 2019

Combined DNA-RNA Fluorescent In situ Hybridization (FISH) to Study X Chromosome Inactivation in Differentiated Female Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
15:54

Combined DNA-RNA Fluorescent In situ Hybridization (FISH) to Study X Chromosome Inactivation in Differentiated Female Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: June 14, 2014

Quick Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Protocol for Xist RNA Combined with Immunofluorescence of Histone Modification in X-chromosome Inactivation
12:42

Quick Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Protocol for Xist RNA Combined with Immunofluorescence of Histone Modification in X-chromosome Inactivation

Published on: November 26, 2014

  • Focuses on the functional role of Xist RNA.

    • Main Results:

    • X inactivation is a complex process essential for mammalian development.
    • Xist RNA is a critical non-coding RNA that initiates and maintains X chromosome silencing.
    • Dysregulation of X inactivation and Xist function is linked to various genetic disorders.

    Conclusions:

    • Dosage compensation via X inactivation is fundamental to mammalian sex-specific gene expression.
    • Understanding Xist RNA's function is crucial for deciphering diseases related to X-linked gene dosage.
    • Further research into X inactivation mechanisms may reveal therapeutic targets for associated diseases.