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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
Heterochromatin02:38

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...
Heterochromatin02:38

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...

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Selective interaction of SMCHD1 with chromatin is governed by LRIF1 and SMCHD1 ATPase activity.

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SETDB1 and HUSH modulate Xist RNA levels during establishment of X chromosome inactivation.

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Chromatin binding and N-terminal domains of DNMT3B1 confer specificity for developmentally regulated CpG island methylation.

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m<sup>6</sup>A and the NEXT complex direct Xist RNA turnover and X-inactivation dynamics.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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

A scaffold for X chromosome inactivation.

Anna Tattermusch1, Neil Brockdorff

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.

Human Genetics
|June 11, 2011
PubMed
Summary

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) uses Xist RNA to silence one X chromosome in females. Nuclear organization factors are key to Xist RNA binding and spreading, initiating chromosome-wide gene silencing.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • X chromosome inactivation (XCI) equalizes X-linked gene dosage in XX females compared to XY males.
  • Xist RNA is a non-coding RNA essential for initiating and maintaining XCI by binding and spreading along the inactive X chromosome.
  • The precise mechanisms of Xist RNA binding, spreading, and subsequent chromosome silencing are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the role of chromosome and nuclear organization in XCI.
  • To explore how nuclear matrix/scaffold components influence Xist RNA binding and XCI.
  • To provide a perspective on the interplay between nuclear architecture and Xist-mediated gene silencing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on XCI and nuclear organization.

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Quick Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Protocol for Xist RNA Combined with Immunofluorescence of Histone Modification in X-chromosome Inactivation
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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 1, 2026

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

Pooled shRNA Screen for Reactivation of MeCP2 on the Inactive X Chromosome
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Pooled shRNA Screen for Reactivation of MeCP2 on the Inactive X Chromosome

Published on: March 2, 2018

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

  • Analysis of research identifying nuclear matrix/scaffold factors in XCI.
  • Synthesis of existing knowledge on chromosome architecture and XCI mechanisms.

    • Main Results:

    • Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of chromosome and nuclear organization in XCI.
    • Specific nuclear matrix/scaffold factors have been identified to play roles in Xist RNA binding.
    • These factors also appear to be involved in initiating Xist-mediated chromosome silencing.

    Conclusions:

    • Nuclear organization and chromosome architecture are critical for effective X chromosome inactivation.
    • Understanding the function of nuclear matrix components in Xist RNA interactions is key to elucidating XCI mechanisms.
    • Future research should integrate insights from nuclear architecture studies to fully comprehend XCI regulation.