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Updated: Jul 10, 2025

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
Chromatin-mediated silencing on the inactive X chromosome
Andrew Keniry1,2, Marnie E Blewitt1,2
1Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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In mammals, the second X chromosome in females is silenced to enable dosage compensation between XX females and XY males. This essential process involves the formation of a dense chromatin state on the inactive X (Xi) chromosome. There is a wealth of information about the hallmarks of Xi chromatin and the contribution each makes to silencing, leaving the tantalising possibility of learning from this knowledge to potentially remove silencing to treat X-linked diseases in females. Here, we discuss the role of each chromatin feature in the establishment and maintenance of the silent state, which is of crucial relevance for such a goal.
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