Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

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

6.7K

Abnormal X chromosome inactivation and tumor development

Dan Wang1,2,3, Le Tang2, Yingfen Wu2

  • 1Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|February 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

X chromosome inactivation in females, regulated by X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), silences one X chromosome. Escaping tumor suppressor genes on the inactive X chromosome offer protection against cancer development in women.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Mammalian females possess two X chromosomes; one is randomly inactivated during embryonic development via X chromosome inactivation (XCI).
  • XCI is primarily regulated by the long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), which requires specific proteins for its function.
  • Dysregulation of XIST and XCI is linked to tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms governing X chromosome inactivation.
  • To elucidate the intricate relationship between XCI and the development of cancer.
  • To explore the sex-based differences observed in cancer incidence and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on X chromosome inactivation.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involving XIST and associated proteins.
  • Examination of studies linking XCI escape genes to tumor suppression and cancer risk.

Main Results:

  • XIST RNA and essential proteins (SAF-A, LBR, SHARP) are crucial for initiating and maintaining XCI.
  • Loss of XIST expression can promote tumor development.
  • Tumor suppressor genes can escape XCI, providing a protective effect against cancer in females.

Conclusions:

  • XCI is a vital regulatory process with significant implications for cellular function and disease.
  • The escape of tumor suppressor genes from XCI contributes to lower cancer susceptibility in women compared to men.
  • Understanding XCI mechanisms is key to explaining sex differences in cancer and developing targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Escape from X-inactivation tumor-suppressorMalignancySex differencesX chromosome inactivation (XCI)Xist

More Related Videos

Combined DNA-RNA Fluorescent In situ Hybridization FISH to Study X Chromosome Inactivation in Differentiated Female Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells15:54

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

28.3K
Quick Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Protocol for Xist RNA Combined with Immunofluorescence of Histone Modification in X-chromosome Inactivation12:42

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

Published on: November 26, 2014

14.5K

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.
41.2K
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...
5.8K
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.
33.3K
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...
3.6K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.0K
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...
7.2K